Many people nowadays know what our mascot looks like, but how did the Panther evolve? How did the mascot become who he is today?
Social studies teacher and former Saucon Valley alumni, Mario Marcozzi, said, “I don’t remember there being a mascot during my days here in the 80’s.”
So when did the mascot come to Saucon Valley? According to Sauconvaleyalumi.org, in either 1938 or 1939 a student named Bobby Potts came up with the name ‘Panthers’. After some deep diving, there was evidence of the panther mascot photographed in the 1988 yearbook.
A source close to the panther has said that the old Panther look was about three years old and was very-very worn in. The new Panther look is said to be easier to find costumes for and easier for one to wear.
We’ve asked some students what they think of the new Panther’s look and name.
Senior Louis Flowers said, “I can see why the Panther’s new look was adopted since it represents Saucon at sporting events, but I feel like the old design for the panther appealed to a wider audience.”
Flowers also shared his thoughts on the new name: “I think ‘Shadows’ is a good name since the Panther is used in elementary and middle school as well.”
Senior Riley Lannon also shared her thoughts about the Panther’s new name: “I think the name could be better.”
Flowers suggested new names for the Panther that he thought would be good too: “I think ‘The Panther’ would probably be okay, or ‘DK Metcat’.”
Lannon also suggested the name, “Pablo the Panther”.
In conclusion, the new Panther’s look and evolution over time has shown the growth in the school community and the name shows how much more the panther is being involved in the school community. This name allows the elementary school to get more involved with the school.
