LANDON HESS
Penn Manor’s boys’ volleyball program is looking to take the next step. The Comets have been knocking on the door in the always tough Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1.
This year Coach Dustin Hornberger will lean on seniors like Landon Hess to lead the way.
Classmates Quintin Hopsetter and David Kirkley also will be key.
“We have some talent,” Hornberger said. “We hope to compete to make the league
playoffs and be a district qualifier.”
Only two teams from the section will qualify for the L-L League playoffs, something Penn Manor hasn’t done with this group of seniors. But the Comets have been a District 3 Class AAA qualifier each of the seniors’ previous 3 seasons. Last year as the 16th seed, PM was eliminated by eventual unbeaten state champion Cumberland Valley. They also had first-round exits in 2024 as the 13th seed and 2023 when seeded 14th.
Hess is the team’s setter and feels the key to making the jump is “staying mentally strong.”
This season Hess was averaging over 26 assists per game through 5 games for the Comets (1-0 in Section 1, 2-3 overall).
Hess is currently in apprentice plumbing training, which he should finish next year.
“That’s hard work,” he admits. He hopes to carry that ethic to the court and help Penn Manor to a fine season.
