Texas Tech University’s prestigious Spirit Program passes on tradition and titles to a new group of leaders.

Summary:

Texas Tech University has named Rose Rosas as the 64th Masked Rider and bid farewell to Sydney Caro as Raider Red, marking a symbolic transition in mascot leadership during the Transfer of Reins and Passing of Guns ceremony for the 2025-2026 season. Both students leave lasting legacies, with Rosas breaking ground as a first-generation student and passionate animal science major, and Caro having made more than 300 appearances as Raider Red.

Why This Matters:

• Upholds Tradition: Highlights the university's commitment to tradition while empowering new student leaders.

• Student Commitment: Showcases the diverse backgrounds and dedication of students who represent Texas Tech.

• School Spirit: Underscores the deep impact and personal growth fostered by involvement in school spirit and mascot programs.

It’s a changing of the guard for the iconic Texas Tech University mascots The Masked Rider and Raider Red for the 2025-2026 season, all part of the Transfer of Reins and Passing of Guns ceremony.

For 71 years the Masked Rider has been symbolic of Texas Tech grit, passion and determination. This year the honor is bestowed on Rose Rosas, a junior animal science major from Brady, Texas as the 64th Masked Rider.

Her passion for animals developed from a young age but wasn’t truly realized until a chance encounter in a high school agriculture class.

“I didn't grow up in a traditional ag background around horses,” Rosas said. “It really started off with livestock and showing livestock.

“When we moved to Brady, I was fortunate enough to have an amazing ag teacher, Brad Barnett, who introduced me to Mike Probst, the person who truly got me started with horses and cattle. They both have become honorary dads to me, and I owe much of the knowledge and experience I have today to them.”

Rosas, a first-generation college student, took over the reins of Centennial Champion from Ellie Brown on Friday (April 18).

She has served as an assistant under Brown the past season as well as the 62nd Masked Rider Lauren Bloss.

“I would love to give back in my role as a Rider to the (Texas Tech) university and hopefully leave a lasting impact from my year and most importantly, leave the program better than where I found it.”

Spirit Program Director Stephanie Rhode has led the program for the last 22 years. She is thrilled to see Rosas in the saddle.

“Rose has shown her tremendous devotion to the Masked Rider Program over the past few years, and I look forward to seeing her take the reins as our 64th Masked Rider,” said Rhode.

Much like the Masked Rider, Raider Red said goodbye to one of the talented students donning the signature red mustache and hat. Raider Red, as a physical mascot was created by Saddle Tramp Jim Gaspard inspired from the artwork of late artist Dirk West in 1971.

Sydney Caro, a member of the High Riders and a dual biology and Chinese major, will be moving on from the program to finish her degree with graduation set for spring 2026.

“Being Raider Red has been one of the greatest honors of my lifetime,” said Caro. “Time really does fly when you love what you do! Though I’ll be retiring the big black boots, I will always carry the immense passion, tremendous love, and the lasting impact this experience has given me close to my heart.”

According to Texas Tech Cheer & Mascot Coach Bruce Bills, Sydney has attended and appeared as Raider Red 310 times in her two years as part of the program.

“Sydney has been the glue to keep the group together, keep us on task, always eager to take on appearances and being ready for last minute events,” added Bills.

“It has been pleasure working with Sydney and we know she will do great things in her next chapter.”