Tim Keithley
For the Ruidoso News

Keithley’s Korner

It’s an extremely important job being Masked Rider at Texas Tech University—one that junior Rose Rosas does not take for granted.

“You are a role model for so many young students who look up to you and Centennial Champion,” Rosas said. She’ll be aboard the TTU mascot on Saturday at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack for “Red Raider Weekend” as the 64th Masked Rider in school history.

Rosas and 11-year-old Centennial Champion will make about three public appearances per week throughout the upcoming school year. Most of those involve children in the Lubbock and west Texas region wanting to get an up-close peek at Texas Tech royalty.

“I’ve been involved in the Masked Rider program for two years already,” Rosas said. “There is a pretty big-time commitment along with caring for the horse. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s an honor to be named Masked Rider. It’s a very prestigious role.”

Rosas was born in Florida and grew up in Brady, Texas, where she spent time on a goat and cattle ranch nearby. That’s where she learned to ride, taking it more seriously her freshman year in college. She is an animal science major with an emphasis on AI production and embryo transfer technology for sheep and goats.

“I was a member of Future Farmers of America and 4-H in high school which led me to my future interests,” she said. “The experience that I’m having as an ambassador for Texas Tech has been a tremendous asset to my college career.”

Rosas said being a Masked Rider takes hard work, dedication, and the willingness to inspire others.

“When you put on the mask and cape, you embody so much more than your own personal self-interests,” she said. “You represent the standards of our university and I’m proud to serve in this role for my year as the Masked Rider.”

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