Long Live the Matadors: The Fearless History of Texas Tech's Masked Rider

On New Year's Day in 1954, the underdog Texas Tech Red Raiders trounced Auburn, persistent pride of the SEC, in the Gator Bowl. The score was 35-13, and it would be almost twenty years before Tech would win another bowl game. But the important 1954 game also established a much deeper tradition of excellence, one that has never suffered the ups and downs of collegiate sports. On that January 1, the Red Raiders were led onto the field by Joe Kirk Fulton. Donning a mask and wearing custom chap...