Gilbert is Gone: The Case of The Missing Goose By: Delani Bauer

Late in the night on March 11, the beloved Gilbert was taken from the Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) campus.  Gilbert has served as an unofficial HSU mascot for many years, primarily residing around Anderson lawn and the Don Bridges Courtyard, where students, facility and visitors alike have grown fond of his presence.

After a careful evaluation of many suspects, the perpetrators of the Gilbert the Goose kidnapping were determined to be the McMurry University (MCM) baseball team. At this time, no official statements have been made. Evidence circulating around social media appears to support this claim.

The feud has become an active effort among students of both universities. On Instagram, both school’s Barstool accounts rival one another in posting about HSU’s beloved goose. 

Both the HSU baseball and HSU softball teams have publicly acknowledged the incident, expressing frustration while also rallying students to support efforts to bring Gilbert home.

Gilbert's last known whereabouts were documented in a single photo of the goose being held captive by two unknown MCM baseball players. It is unknown where Gilbert is being held at this time, but students are both optimistic and hopeful about his timely return to the pond.

HSU continues to hope for a safe return of Gilbert the Goose, as concern for his disappearance grows around campus. This memorable time on campus has increased student's appreciation for the loving goose who represents HSU through his fond presence.

As two Division III universities located in Abilene, MCM has a long standing rivalry with HSU. The two universities’ well-matched athletic teams face off every year, drawing strong support from both student bodies.

As baseball season approaches, it has become increasingly clear that MCM’s baseball team may have intended to spark conflict ahead of their upcoming matchup.  HSU’s baseball team will play MCM on April 1 at 6 p.m. at Hunter Field, where anticipation for both the game and Gilbert’s fate continues to build. The two universities’ softball teams also faced off against one another on March 18 at the Lou Morton Ellis Field with a Cowgirl win 5-2, further intensifying the rivalry between the schools.