Texas Tech welcomes new Masked Rider, Raider Red mascots for the 2024-25 season

The newest Masked Rider and Raider Red have been inducted into one of Texas Tech's longest-standing spirit traditions.

Outgoing Masked Rider Lauren Bloss — who served as the 62nd Masked Rider for the university — transferred the reins to Ellie Brown during the annual Transfer of the Reins Ceremony at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center on Friday.

The event also featured the annual Passing of the Guns Ceremony, where Holden Jackola was revealed as the outgoing Raider Red, having passed the guns to the newest Raider Red, whose identity will be kept secret for the next year.

Transferring of the Reigns

Stephanie Rhode, Spirit Program director at Tech, said Bloss had to overcome many trials during her tenure as the 62nd Masked Rider.

From having only three successful games of riding out with Texas Tech's horse mascot, Centennial Champion, at Jones AT&T Stadium during the 2023 football season to not getting the chance to make an appearance at the Houston Rodeo — a highlight for a Masked Rider - Rhodes said Bloss handled every challenge professionally.

But just because there were lows didn't mean Bloss didn't have her own unique opportunities as the Masked Rider, Rhodes said, including getting to make an appearance at the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and appearing on NBC's Today Show.

Thanking those in attendance, Bloss said being the 62nd Masked Rider meant a lot to her. She said she grew up being bullied for her love of horses but was thankful that, through the help of her family, she stuck with her passion, which led her to the Masked Rider Program.

"Being a apart of the Masked Rider Program, I was accepted for my passion for horses," Bloss said. "For the first time in my life, I wasn't made fun of; instead, I was accepted and loved. Little did I know that, becoming a Masked Rider, I would not only get the journey of a lifetime, but a family."

Bloss said she learned a valuable lesson during her tenure as the Masked Rider, with the help of her assistants, Rhodes, Centennial Champion, her family, and many other mentors.

"Being Masked Rider isn't about being perfect," Bloss said. "It's about striving to be better, even when times are rough and looking at what matters most. So thank you to everyone who was a part of this imperfect yet perfect year."

During the event, Bloss was asked to unmask herself and transfer the reins to the new rider — Ellie Brown, a senior from Canyon who is an animal science major with a concentration in pre-veterinarian medicine.

"You've gained so much confidence in yourself and it was so reassuring knowing that, no matter how stressful a day was, you would have such a positive outlook on everything," Bloss told Brown. "Your optimism and your faith in God is going to serve you so well next year. You really are going to excel with Centennial."

After being masked by Bloss, Brown took the reins to become the 63rd Masked Rider.

"I am so deeply honored to stand before you as a new Texas Tech Masked Rider," Brown said. "This moment is the culmination of a lifelong dream. One that has been etched into my heart since my earliest years."

With a smile on her face, Brown said it is not only a privilege but a profound responsibility to represent the university, and she accepts it with pride and humility.

"Together, let us continue to uphold the spirit and tradition of Texas Tech University and charge forward into the future. Wreck 'Em," Brown said, showing her Guns Up hand sign.

Passing of the Guns

He's a flirt. He's a dancer. He's a leader. He's friend to the student body.

That is how Holden Jackola described Raider Red, who was inspired by the beloved Dirk West cartoons, created by Jim Gaspard and serves as the public relations mascot for the university.

Having served as Raider Red since 2022, Jackola racked up over 500 event appearances. Every time he stepped into the outfit, he recalled, made him feel like he was a part of a tradition that was bigger than himself.

"It's like a switch that flips on when you put on the head. You immediately feel a sense of energy," Jackola said. "You know you can't talk, but for some reason, every time people say 'smile,' you smile."

Jackola had the unique opportunity to serve as a Raider Red during the university's centennial year from 2022 to 2023 and to be the first Raider Red to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"My favorite part about being Red is that, no matter what I had going on in my life from being sick, injured or heartbroken, I could always just go to an event and that would cheer me up," Jackola said.

After making those in attendance laugh and smile by recanting his fondest memories of being Raider Red, the time came for Jackola to pass the guns.

"This character has been my life for the last few years," he said. "I put blood, sweat — a lot of sweat — and tears into it. I hate to say goodbye to him, but I know that he will always be a part of me. I just hope there he will always have a part of me and him too. It's time for my next adventure. I had no idea what that's going to be. But how exciting is that?"

With childlike enthusiasm, the new Raider Red rushed up to the stage to receive the guns from Jackola and take on the responsibilities. Keeping with tradition, the new Raider Red's identity will not be revealed until after their tenure.