Local Tech Shop Jumping on "Blackout" Bandwagon

            This idea started with just a few Tech Juniors who wanted to make "blackout" games a new annual tradition at Tech, but now they're not the only ones selling black t-shirts to make it happen.  A local apparel shop is selling several shirts, specially designed to help Tech fans "blackout" UT next weekend.

              Tech Sophomore Ashley Young says, "I didn't have a black Tech shirt yet so, I had to get one."  And she isn't the only Tech student running out to buy her first "black" Texas Tech t-shirt.  Red Raider Outfitter owner, Steven Spiegelberg says, "We're into a couple thousand now so, we're definitely off and running and that's a lot for being this early in the week." He says when he heard Tech students wanted to "blackout" next Saturday's game against the Longhorns ... he knew what he had to do.  "The student body was calling for a blackout. We knew we had to get involved to pull it off so, we jumped on board with them and started promoting the blackout campaign." 

              Tech student Sklyer Smith says, "I think it's a good idea. I think it gets people involved in the game."  It gets them involved in a game like no other Tech has ever seen.  They're going into it with an 8-0 record ... and ranked 6 in the AP poll ... the highest they've seen in 32 years.  Not to mention, their outstanding number 7 ranking in the BCS.  Spiegelberg says, "It's the best game, the biggest game to ever happen in the Jones so, if we all wear black and unite in one color and hopefully, one voice, we should be able to play to win."  He says it's not just students backing the "blackout."  "I know the blackout in the student section is on. We've had so many come in to buy their t-shirts and from the mall's store we've had a lot of locals coming in.   In fact, it's been so busy he's calling in re-enforcements.  He says, "We're bringing in extra trucks to sit inventory outside. Bringing in extra staff. We're actually flying in old staff, alumni to come in for this game to help us out."  Because they all want to help make the "blackout" a shining moment in Red Raider history.  Spiegelberg says, "Coach Leach has taken us to the promise land. This is the first time we've been playing for the national championship. The national championship's on the line come Saturday."  Smith says, "This is the chance for Tech to be seen on a national scale in a very good way.  Young adds, "We're gonna win!!!"

             The students selling "blackout" t-shirts needed orders by Sunday, Oct. 26th, to get shirts to you in time for the game, but the good news is Red Raider Outfitter will be selling their t-shirts all weekend and they say they have more than enough so that every Tech fan who wants one can buy one.