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College football | Ohio Dominican coach Bill Conley revels in 'Panther Man' persona

Who says superheroes such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are only products of a writer’s colorful imagination?

Meet “Panther Man,’’ also known as Ohio Dominican football coach Bill Conley.

On Friday, Conley surprised everyone at a homecoming pep rally at ODU’s Alumni Gymnasium by hopping off a golf court driven by an assistant coach and leading cheers in a demonstrative fashion.

The 65-year-old was dressed in a gold cape, headband and wristbands with ribbon dangling, with black football pants and ODU athletic shirt.

“That was my idea — I went old-school,” Conley said. “I did that a lot during homecoming when I was a high-school coach.