‘It’s Crazy:’ Brown, Centennial Champion takes practice from stables to stadium
Friday morning, Ellie Brown, the 63rd Masked Rider, began her routine with Centennial Champion in the stables of Tech’s Equestrian Center.
While brushing his glossy coat, Brown began to detail the personality of the cherished horse.
With every compliment, his ears perked up as if he understood, and his eyes widened each time a sweet treat was mentioned.
“He's always looking to grab a treat, and he really just wants to be your best friend,” said Brown, a fourth-year animal science major from Canyon.
Centennial Champion, Texas Tech Masked Riders horse, eyes the Jones AT&T Stadium while Tech plays a football game in Lubbock, Texas, Nov. 9, 2024.
Ellie Brown, Texas Tech's 63rd Masked Rider, saddles up Centennial Champion prior to the daily warmup routines that the mascot duo undertakes before each gameday at the Tech Equestrian Center in Lubbock, Texas, Aug. 30, 2024. “He's always looking to grab a treat, and he really just wants to be your best friend,” said Brown, a fourth-year animal science major from Canyon.
Ellie Brown, Texas Tech's 63rd Masked Rider, puts on her boots before practicing the gameday run with Centennial Champion at the Tech Equestrian Center in Lubbock, Texas, Aug. 30, 2024
During the early hours of the morning, Ellie Brown, Texas Tech's 63rd Masked Rider, walks Centennial Champion to the Livestock Show Arena at the Tech Equestrian Center in Lubbock, Texas, Aug. 30, 2024.
The Masked Rider's trailer, filled with gear and tools for the duo, sits ajar outside the Tech Equestrian Center before Ellie Brown, the 63rd Masked Rider, prepares to practice in Lubbock, Texas, Aug. 30, 2025.
Ellie Brown races around the Livestock Arena while practicing for her gameday run as the sun peeks over the horizon at the Tech Equestrian Center Aug. 30, 2025. “I'm out here morning and night, pretty much every day, depending on how many appearances we have,” Brown said.
Ellie Brown races down the Jones AT&T Stadium while Texas Tech football follows suit before they face a Big 12 opponent in Lubbock, Texas, Sept. 28, 2025. “Getting to ride him (Centennial Champion), I definitely pay tribute to all those horses that taught me and gave me the chance to learn,” Brown said.