The history of High Riders is not unique in beginning in that all endeavors must first begin with an idea. The  uniqueness of High Riders lies in the idea itself. High Riders represents the desire for college women to serve the  students and athletes at Texas Tech with the help and the guidance of God. This relationship with God is a vital and inspirational aspect of the organization that will remain as longs as High Riders continues to function within its  guidelines. 

 

Nancy Neill (Hughes), High Riders’ first president, attended some Saddle Tramp smokers as a hostess in the fall of 1975, and questioned why there was no women’s organization to support Texas Tech women’s athletes. Nancy researched and discovered there had been several attempts to start a women’s organization, but they had failed due to lack of organization. She became excited about the idea of starting a new organization, but this time she was determined to learn from the mistakes of other attempts. 

 

Nancy sought the aid of a friend, Lyn Morris (Travis), who became High Riders’ first pledge trainer. They began tossing ideas back and forth, talking to other students, and especially praying. They were inspired by a strong interest shown among the women students at Texas Tech. The two founders realized the need for more help in organizing High Riders and sought the aid of a friend, Kathy  Pate (Scott), who became High Riders’ first Vice President. Addition two sponsors were chosen: Joyce Arterburn, of the P.E. Department, and Dr. B.J.  Marshall, of the physics department. 

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Though the three founders were similar in believes and ambitions, each had some unique abilities to offer to the founding of High Riders. Nancy offered strong leadership and the ability to organize. Lyn had the ability to foresee  a future with confidence and to take High Rider ideas and bring them into reality. Kathy was very practical and had  the ability to deal with contingencies. Together they formed a strong bond of hard work, dedication, and faith.  

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On February 2, 1976, the University accepted High Riders as an official campus organization.