Wreck 'em Tech!

Some people at other universities claim that we at Texas Tech University do not have any traditions.  For the Red Raiders out there, you already know of the following; for those that do not know Texas Tech, here's a little Tech Tradition:

Texas Tech traditions run deep through students, alumni, faculty, and fans.  First, something as little as the "guns up."  While getting your guns up is so easy to do and could seem so minute to outsiders, "guns up" is a large part of Texas Tech.  It is great to stand in a sea of red in Jones Stadium or the United Spirit Arena, with everyone waving their guns in the air for a touchdown or a 3 pointer, or to the tune of "Fight Raiders Fight," "Grandioso," or "The Matador Song."  Those moments are truly some of the proudest moments a Red Raider can have.  Thousands of people united under such a simple thing as getting your guns up.

Another great tradition here at Texas Tech is the wrapping of the Will Rogers statue on the Thursday night prior to every home football game.  The Saddle Tramps carry out this tradition by wrapping Will and his horse Soapsuds in red crepe paper.  Will remains clad in red from Thursday night through game day, Saturday.

The Carol of Lights comes around on the first Friday of December every year.  Among the festivities: a concert by the university choirs, the playing of the Carillon bells in the West tower of the Administration Building, and the procession Masked Rider and the Saddle Tramps with flares.  Finally, the pinnacle of the evening, the thousands of lights on the buildings around the Engineering Key and Memorial Circle are lit for the first time of the season.  The flip of the switch with the lights coming on is enough to send a chill through all Red Raiders.

"And the victory bells will ring out"...After each home victory by the Red Raiders or Lady Raiders, the Saddle Tramps or High Riders ring the victory bells in the East tower of the Administration Building.  The ringing of the victory bells serves to let everyone on campus know that the Red Raiders were victorious in their endeavors that day.

Finally, the tradition that could be the best and most exciting in America--GAMEDAY.  Prior to each home football game, the Goin' Band From Raiderland takes the field doing it's traditional "Tech Step."  "Fight Raiders Fight" soon echoes throughout the stadium.  The Star Spangled Banner soon resonates.  The first chords of the Matador Song entices a roar from the crowd as their guns go high into the air.  The whole student body along with much of the crowd filled with alumni and fans join in the singing of the Matador Song.  The next thing you know, the band has condensed their double T down in the Northeast corner of the field.  The fanfare begins, "GO..........FIGHT...........WIN!!!!"  "Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar.  All for the RAIDERS stand up and holler!"  The anticipation has now grown for the greatest few seconds in collegiate athletics.  Even the horse senses it.  As "The Horse Music" begins, the Masked Rider rides from the South end of the field, leading the Red Raiders out onto the turf of Jones SBC Stadium.