Texas Tech University - La Ventana Yearbook (Lubbock, TX)

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TECH SPIRIT Raider Power: stronger than ever When Jones Stadium echoed with the sound of the traditional Raider- Power and the sight of the familiar six shooter pointed in the air, as Hap- py VI and the masked Raider made the traditional ride after a touchdown, students of Texas Tech University be- gan to feel what the word spirit meant. Words could not begin to depict the overwhelming enthusiasm with which students supported Tech this year. Record crowds attended games in several sports. But, the crowds were there more than physically. They had spirit. Spirit was nothing new at Tech, but it seemed to take on a strong, new dimension. Traditional events as the Homecoming bonfire and parade, the ride of the Masked Raider, the Mata- dor Song and the Fight Song kept the spirit alive. But tradition was not enough to satisfy the enthusiasm felt by many students. The Saddle Tramps boosted Tech spirit with a world record-breaking 151,000 balloons released prior to the Tech-Southern Methodist University game, Dad ' s Day, Nov. 18. The record set by the Tramps broke a record set earlier in the fall by SMU. As football season continued, spirit reached one of the highest points ever, and this spirited feeling continued into basketball season. Students re- sponded to coaches ' pleas for atten- dance and many games at the colise- um were filled to capacity. For the Texas A M and University of Arkan- sas games, the Tramps once again promoted Tech Spirit with streamers of red and black hung from the cat- walk of the coliseum. They were re- leased during halftime. For each sport, students in organi- zations such as the Tramps, High Rid- ers and Alpha Phi Omega lent their support. Streamers were tied to light posts and parking signs during the Tramps ' traditional Midnight Raid to remind students of upcoming games. The bells in the administra- tion building rang for 30 minutes after each Tech victory in all sports. To try and describe the spirit and pride with which Tech students sup- ported the university would not do the feeling justice. The dictionary defines spirit as a strong loyalty or dedication, but that was just the beginning for Tech stu- dents. Spirit was a vital and animating force within each person affiliated with Tech. 11