Local girl named new Masked Rider

The lineage of Texas Tech’s Masked Rider is staying in the area.

Ashley Hartzog, a senior animal science and Spanish major from Farwell, will replace Texico’s Kevin Burns as Texas Tech’s mascot, according to a school press release.

In donning the rider’s mask, Hartzog fulfills an ambition that took seed when she first saw the iconic mascot at a Red Raider football game when she was 5 years old.

“It’s still hard to believe that I was selected to be the Masked Rider,” she said. “Every time I see a Masked Rider logo or image on campus I get chills thinking that I get to be a part of that tradition.”

As Masked Rider, Hartzog will make hundreds of appearances crisscrossing the Southwest to promote Texas Tech spirit and goodwill at athletic events, parades, rodeos and other functions, the release said.

Hartzog has ridden, trained and shown horses for more than 16 years. She has competed on Texas Tech’s ranch horse, horse judging and equestrian teams.