(flickr)
If you’re just starting your college adventure as a Red Raider, you’ve got a lot to learn (and if you’re asking yourself “What’s a Red Raider?”, then you’ve got a lot to learn). Texas Tech is home to some iconic traditions, and if you want to be a part of the crew, you’re going to have to catch up on them. When you’re not busy searching for apartments near Texas Tech , take some time to browse our definitive list of TTU traditions you should know about!
Nobody knew what to expect the first time a masked Joe Kirk Fulton rode a horse out onto the field during the 1954 Gator Bowl. Clad in Levi’s, a red shirt and a black cape, Fulton became a legend immediately, cementing a tradition that would last for decades to come. Now formally known as the Masked Raider, the ghost rider is as famous as he is mysterious, leading the Raiders onto the field during every home game.
Yes, you read that right: Texas is home to a piece of the original Blarney Stone. The stone was discovered by a group of petroleum engineers during a field trip in 1939, and was unveiled by Texas Tech on St. Patrick’s day of the same year. It turns out you don’t have to go all the way to Ireland to receive its blessing: seniors who kiss the stone upon graduation are supposedly gifted with eloquent speech forevermore!
Every great school has its own hand signal. Texas Tech is no exception! The sign, which is made by making a finger gun with your hand and pointing it to the sky, was formally adopted in 1971 after TTU alumnus L. Glenn Dippel was repeatedly taunted by University of Austin Students. In retaliation to their “Hook ‘em Horns” hand sign, Dippel proposed the Guns Up symbol, which quickly caught on and has since been the official greeting from one Red Raider to another.
Most Homecomings feature weeklong festivities, football games and alumni celebrations. Texas Tech has these too, but they’ve also got something better: an inferno. In order to celebrate their Homecoming ceremonies, Texas Tech regularly lights an enormous bonfire for students and alumni alike to enjoy. In addition to the fire and football, other traditions include Homecoming parades, float competitions, award programs and the annual crowning of the Homecoming Queen.
Texas Tech’s famous logo has mysterious origins. Since its widespread adoption in 1925, nobody has been able to pinpoint its creator. Historical records point to a football coach, E.Y. Freeland, who began placing the Double T logo on football sweaters for students to show their pride. Still, nobody has come forward to claim credit for the design, and so its true origin remains unknown. Maybe you’ll be the one to discover it!
Ali Bartmer
Chips and salsa aficionado, Ali Bartmer joined the Rent College Pads team in the fall of 2016 as the Operations Assistant and has since become a Content crafter. Cat mom of one, Ali prides herself in being a Bloody Mary connoisseur and with her Masters from Hogwarts there’s nothing Ali can’t do.