Penn Manor introduces new Comet Man mascot

There’s a new Comet Man in town!

Penn Manor’s official mascot has a new look for the first time in six years.

The athletic department recently unveiled a new Comet Man outfit, which features a large, tapered head that resembles a streaking comet, a bold Penn Manor chest logo and oversized gold boots and gloves.

The costume is more durable, breathable and comfortable than the old Comet Man gear, according to Penn Manor athletic director Jason Mattern.

The new Comet Man is believed to be the fifth variation to entertain fans at Penn Manor sporting events since the Comet mascot name emerged in the 1950s.

A Comet Man apparently first appeared in 1992 or 1993 and was redesigned in 1997. That version gave way to the Comet Critter in 2006, then reverted back to Comet Man, with a new design, in 2012.

That costume was so worn out that when Mattern tried to get it cleaned, he was told it might not survive the process. So he started the search for a new outfit.

Mattern contacted Hogtown Mascots of Toronto, and the company proposed two designs. The winning design was chosen by the Penn Manor community through a Twitter poll. It took about seven weeks for Hogtown to build the costume, which was unveiled at the Nov. 19 school board meeting.

Penn Manor sophomore Morgan Taylor is the student inside the new Comet Man. He was chosen following an audition process, along with an understudy who will fill in if Morgan is not available.

To serve as Comet Man, Mattern said, a student must be “reliable, energetic, coordinated and dedicated to enhancing the athletic experience for our athletes and fans.”

The mascot is not allowed to speak, but Comet Man can get the crowd pumped up without words!

Look for the new mascot at athletic competitions, senior nights, middle school recruitment events, athlete signing days, pep rallies and other Penn Manor events.

Go Comets!