The Story Behind the ‘Guns Up’ Hand Signal at Texas Tech [SPONSORED]

The second home game of the season is upon us and as we go in undefeated, we can’t help but “get our guns up” with all the excitement!

It’s parents weekend and we thought we would give you a little history behind the famous Texas Tech hand sign. Maybe Mom and Dad will actually believe you’ve been learning something since you left home, something other than how to scream the R-Rated version of Fight Raiders Fight, of course!

The “Guns Up” sign can be traced back to a Texas Tech Alumni by the name of L. Glenn Dippel and his wife who graduated in the 1960’s. After graduation the couple moved to the dreaded home of The Longhorns, Austin Texas. After tolerating all they could of the well known (and sometimes hated) Longhorn hand sign, the Dippels came up with one of their own. Using the Masked Rider and his gun for inspiration, in 1971, the couple developed the “Guns Up” hand symbol. It wasn’t long before the Saddle Tramps and Texas Tech Cheerleaders adopted this hand gesture, suddenly a new tradition had been born!

Today the “Guns Up” hand sign is used as a greeting, identification, and even celebration of Texas Tech students, Alumi, and fans everywhere.

So this weekend when you encourage your parents to join in on the game day spirit and get their “Guns Up” make sure you tell them why we still do it today…

When you’re heading in to the student section this weekend, look for the friendly staff from The Republic at Lubbock. They will be there with their “Guns Up,’” handing out free gifts! Stop by and bring your parents!

Happy Parents Weekend!

This blog is sponsored by The Republic at Lubbock. Visit their webpage or Like them on Facebook.