He just might be Texas Tech's biggest fan, or at least he aspires to be. Cornelius Allen, or as he likes to call himself, "The Tech Demon," moved to Lubbock in May 1999.
"I wanted to give Tech something that no one else has got- -'The Tech demon,'" he said. "They need some fire and desire like me."
Hailing from Plainview, Allen said he always has been a proud supporter of Tech.
"Tech is too hot for words," he said. "It started when I was young, and I would always ask my mom what that big 'T' was, and when I got older I found out."
Regular bar patron Allen can be seen riding his customized bike through the Overton area. He makes his living mowing lawns for the residents of the neighborhoods surrounding Tech.
Alison Berney, a senior economics major from Arlington, agreed Allen is one-of-a-kind.
When she first saw him, she said she was frightened.
"Whoa, what the heck is going on with that guy," she said. "I didn't know who he was; I just thought he looked like a reggae rasta king."
Allen has made a similar impact on others throughout Lubbock with his unique fashion style vest and eccentric behavior.
Ryan Cappelli, a senior mechanical engineering major from Plano, said he always sees Allen riding his seat-less bike around the Depot District sporting his black cape.
"I think he's the next Lance Armstrong," he said. "He personally will bring the cape back into fashion. He reminds me of Batman, because at night I see the cape flying in the wind. Kinda brings me back to my childhood."
Cappelli said he does not feel like Allen is hurting anyone with his flashy uniform and his wild actions.
"I like the flashy lights," he said. "At least you always know where he is, he can't sneak up on you."
Allen is comfortable with his style as well and said his mom always encouraged him to be himself.
"Nowhere in the world can they find someone like me," he said.
Aside from seeing and hearing Allen, other Red Raiders have had different experiences with him.
Drew Kennard, a junior English major from Houston, said he has had his own experiences with Allen.
"I work at Dominoes, and he comes by asking for food," he said. "He's definitely himself-he's crazy."
Even those who have not experienced a moment with Allen have likely heard another student's 'Cornelius' story.
Meredith Ford, a sophomore musical education major from Plano, said she never has met Allen, but word about him travels quickly.
"I heard that he's hilarious, and he has no problem talking to anybody," she said.
Allen said he has many plans for the future, and before he begins to execute them is just a matter of time.
"Everybody that made it to the top didn't make it from nowhere," he said. "They made it from somewhere."
Allen said he already has completed a documentary about his life. His next project is to make T-shirts.
"I'm getting up to the age where I gotta do my business," he said. "Man, they're gonna sell like hotcakes."
Allen said one of the most rewarding things about his life is when he hears positive feedback.
"The kids are enticed by me," he said. "Parents come up to me and tell me that. I feel good about it, but that's just the way I am."
The support Allen said he has received from the community has been reciprocated by some Tech students who feel Allen is a supportive Tech fan.
"People should befriend him-this Tech local," Cappelli said. "I think he's the biggest fan of Tech women. He's just the man, dude."
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