About
History Of Saddle Tramps
The Saddle Tramps were organized in the Fall of 1936 by Head Cheerleader Arch Lamb. The group was conceived to try and help channel the student bodies sometimes overly exuberant and unruly nature into more positive and productive means. Arch and his conferees, Paul “Grandma” Bowers and Bud Thompson, both cheerleaders at the time, were very successful in their endeavors and sought to expand the organization. The first men selected as Saddle Tramps were the top ones in each college of the university, Each of the three men chose others whom he thought would make the best Saddle Tramps. With Arch Lamb as president, their number grew to ten. In the spring of 1937 the membership grew to fifty. These men dedicated themselves to serving in any way that would elevate the college in the eyes of the public. It was then decided that Saddle Tramps should be a non-political organization dedicated to the betterment and advancement of Texas Tech University. Today, Saddle Tramps are an all-male, spirit-service organization dedicated to the betterment of Texas Tech University.
Why did Arch name the group Saddle Tramps?
Early Texas Ranchers would hire a “Saddle Tramp” on the basis of his ability and willingness to tackle any task assigned to him. He would move on after a while, having done all he could to contribute to the improvement of the ranch. That’s why Lamb named the group as he did. Saddle Tramps would be hard workers when in school at Tech, moving on after their college years were done.
What is a Saddle Tramp?
To Arch Lamb, a “saddle tramp” was a passerby known for his dependability, hard work and a job well done. At Texas Tech, a Saddle Tramp is a member of a conscientious body of students dedicated to the betterment of the University. As an ambassador of Texas Tech he carries the responsibility of maintaining high morale, respectable conduct, and a harmonious relationship among students and the general public.
A Saddle Tramp is a person who finds it easy to be courteous and polite to everyone in any situation.
The willingness to work with his fellow Saddle Tramps when called upon is very important. The Saddle Tramp must have a strong sense of duty and a desire to make the projects of Saddle Tramps become successful ones. The success of the undertakings of this organization depends on the individual. The Saddle Tramp’s duties and obligations are varied and complex and require a great deal of time and patience. Only a person who greatly desires to better serve his school, fellow Techsans, and teams can become a successful Saddle Tramp.
The Saddle Tramp must have an active and working knowledge of Texas Tech, its history, schools and colleges, location of buildings, and staff in order that he be better prepared to answer questions of visitors and of fellow students and also for his own information. It is also necessary for him to know the history of the Saddle Tramp organization in order to help him better understand the purpose of the organization and his duties as a Saddle Tramp.
What Do Saddle Tramps Do?
Saddle Tramps attend all men’s home football, basketball, and baseball games. Our primary focus remains to further the spirit and uphold the traditions of Texas Tech University. Some of the traditions that we uphold are: Raider Red, Wrapping of Will Rogers and Midnight Raiders, Homecoming Bonfire and Parade, Bell Circles, Victory Bells, Shotguns, UT/A&M Watch, Carol of Lights, Bangin’ Bertha and many more. Along with attending sports games, Saddle Tramps are also very involved in the Lubbock Community by helping out with several local charities and philanthropy events annually.
