Bobbi Jo Evers, staff writer

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Augsburg’s longest attending student, sport aficionado and all around a fantastic bird, Auggie Eagle. Auggie has attended Augsburg since 1869, making him the most super of seniors. Through the years the eagle has most often been spotted at various sporting events — when he isn’t in the classroom working on his various degrees.

Involved in multiple groups and clubs on campus, Auggie is a major factor in Augsburg school spirit. The goal of this interview was getting to the bottom of this question: where is Auggie Eagle? As the center of school spirit and the mascot of a long standing university, students and faculty alike are wondering, where has he gone? Absent from most events as well as his social media platforms, I needed to solve this mystery. 

When I first prompted Auggie about his absence from Augsburg sporting events, he simply tried to brush it off. But as our conversation went on, he had an admission. “I’ve been working behind the scenes lately. I love being the face of school spirit, but sometimes you need to step back and help the people behind the curtain,” Auggie said. 

Being a student for 154 years is a difficult task, and to be the mascot on top of it all is admirable. I was curious about what brought the eagle to this point. Where did it all begin? He told me about his time here at Augsburg and what he is hoping for in the future. “I love every second at Augsburg. This university is my home, I almost feel like I was born here, you know? I just hope to see our athletics grow and for Auggie pride to stay strong.” The real question that was burning in my mind as we chatted was whether he plans to make a comeback. Seeing other school mascots participating in sporting events must be very hard for him. But, throughout our conversation, the Auggie Eagle gave a sense of coolness that assured me that we will see him back at events eventually. Everybody needs a break, even if you are a giant anthropomorphic eagle. 

If you are missing Auggie Eagle at sporting events, don’t fret. He will make his comeback, and while I tried to get a straight answer from him on when that is, he remained elusive, saying, “I’ll come back when it’s time to come back.” I’m sure Augsburg fans everywhere are holding their breath, hoping for Auggie’s return. For more information on Auggie Eagle, including his favorite movies and bands, check out his bio on the Augsburg Athletics website.