Texas Tech University welcomed Sofie Jones as the 65th Masked Rider and introduced a new horse named Matador during the Transfer of Reins ceremony held at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center on April 17. The event also marked the retirement of Centennial Champion, who served as the university’s mascot horse for four seasons, and a farewell to Rose Rosas, the outgoing Masked Rider.
The announcement is significant for Texas Tech’s tradition, as both the Masked Rider and Raider Red mascots are longstanding symbols of school spirit. The transition underscores how these roles continue to inspire students and alumni across generations.
Jones, a Houston native pursuing an animal science degree at Texas Tech, has been riding horses since she was three years old. She is active in campus life as an Honors College student and member of the Texas Tech Rodeo Team. “It doesn’t feel like work,” said Jones. “Taking care of them has never really felt like work to me. I actually feel like it helps me with my strive for school.” As a third-generation Red Raider from a family with more than 20 alumni dating back to the 1930s, Jones emphasized her connection to tradition: “The biggest thing that resonates with me is there’s going to be a lot of little girls looking up to me—a lot of little girls who will want to do this one day.” This year’s selection process for Masked Rider involved several steps over about six weeks.
Rosas reflected on her own tenure: “I’m representing something bigger than myself. I wasn’t born riding horses,” she said. “It’s like Texas Tech’s motto, ‘From Here, It’s Possible.’” Stephanie Rhode, director of the Texas Tech Spirit Program, commented on retiring Centennial Champion: “Centennial served the university well during his tenure, but we felt with the celebration now firmly behind us, it was appropriate to go back to Texas Tech’s tradition and history.”
The Passing of Guns ceremony also saw changes in those portraying Raider Red—the mascot created in 1971 based on drawings by Lubbock cartoonist Dirk West. Zach Van Horn and Wayland Damron have been among those behind Raider Red over recent years. Van Horn said: “I’ll take so much from this experience—especially the impact of simple interactions… That’s something that I’ll carry with me moving forward.” Damron added: “I grew up in Lubbock and always have seen Raider Red out and about… When the opportunity arose, I knew that job would be a dream come true for a lifelong Red Raider.” Head cheer and mascot coach Bruce Bills praised their contributions: “Zach and Wayland have been outstanding representatives and mascots over these three years… I have enjoyed working with them and seeing them grow to make Raider Red come to life for so many people at so many events.”
The university’s ongoing commitment to its traditions continues through these ceremonial transitions while inspiring current students.
