Cincinnati, Ohio —He once was the face of St. Xavier High School Athletics, but after a shift in climate and a move to another mascot, Benny the Bomber was forgotten.
- Benny the Bomber is returning to St. Xavier after 22 years
- Due to a shift in climate and move to another mascot, he was forgotten about for more than two decades
- It costs about $3,500 to bring Benny back, and that money was raised by a small group of alumni
He once was the face of St. Xavier High School Athletics, but after a shift in climate and a move to another mascot, Benny the Bomber was forgotten.
But now, after a 22-year hiatus, Benny has returned to the St. X sidelines, with a new look.
“It’s awesome to have Benny back,” Senior Team Manager A.J. Kessel said, “Especially since as a senior I had no clue Benny even existed, since he was gone for 20 years. I think it’s really going to revitalize our student section.”
All told, it cost about $3500 to bring Benny back, and that money was donated by a small group of about 10 St. Xavier alums.
Benny officially made his return against Moeller at a neutral site contest, which St. X won, but Friday's game against Elder marked his first home game since being reborn.
“Benny’s first home game, running the flag out, the home Bombers will get to see him,” Tim Banker said. “A lot of people don’t know that he’s around yet. A lot of alumni are excited to see him and obviously our student body is excited to see him.”
“It’s definitely cool to have a mascot to get the student section loud,” Kessel said. “I know the athletes love it, it’s nice hearing it on the sideline, too.”