Rick Gilbert ’74, a four-time All-American and the most prolific attackman in Hobart lacrosse history, passed away at the age of 72. Widely regarded as one of the greatest playmakers in the sport, Gilbert left behind a record-breaking career that still stands unmatched in NCAA history.

Hobart Lacrosse Legend

Early Years and Hobart Arrival

A graduate of West Genesee High School, Gilbert came to Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the fall of 1970. In his collegiate debut, he scored three goals and added an assist in a 15-3 victory over Ohio Wesleyan. Known primarily for his precise passing, this early game was one of the few times he recorded more goals than assists.

Record-Breaking Career

By the time he graduated in 1974, Gilbert owned nearly every offensive record at Hobart. In just 68 career games, he amassed an extraordinary 444 points, with 157 goals and 287 assists. He became the first player in NCAA lacrosse to surpass 400 career points and still holds the NCAA Division II records for career points and assists.

Gilbert’s dominance was unmatched. He was the only Statesman to surpass 400 career points and more than 200 career assists, holding comfortable leads over every runner-up. He recorded at least one point in every game he played, including 12 of the program’s 20 games with 10 or more points. His career-high performance came in 1973, when he tallied 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) against Geneseo.

Championship Success

Gilbert’s sophomore season in 1972 was nothing short of historic. He led the nation with 122 points, recording 47 goals and 75 assists, while helping Hobart capture its first national championship with a 15-12 win over Washington (Md.). That season, Hobart finished with a record 17 wins and averaged nearly 10 more goals per game than its opponents.

As a junior, Gilbert produced 114 points, highlighted by a three-game stretch of 37 points, including a 16-point outing against Geneseo and a 10-assist performance against Clarkson. His senior season was equally impressive, finishing with 117 points and guiding Hobart to the NCAA Division II title game against Towson.

Honors and Recognition

Gilbert earned All-American honors in all four of his seasons, including three straight first-team selections. He was chosen to play in the 1974 North-South All-Star game and graduated with a degree in political science that same year.

For his achievements, Gilbert was inducted into the Hobart Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Greater Baltimore Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame in 1999.

Legacy of a Playmaker

In a 2013 interview with NCAA Champion magazine, Gilbert reflected on his unique style of play:

“My style and ability of having a very quick first and second step allowed me to have the time to find my teammates. We used a very aggressive offense that was based on picking away from the ball and drawing a man to feed to. That was the real fun of the game, since my teammates worked so hard to get open.”

Rick Gilbert’s vision, precision, and leadership on the field forever changed Hobart lacrosse. His records, influence, and memory endure as a lasting part of the sport’s history.