The VMI cross country teams are currently in final preparations for the 2009 Big South Championship, set to be hosted by High Point Saturday in Winston-Salem, N.C. An interview with VMI head coach Paul Spangler is located above. 

The Keydets have had an up-and-down 2009, but have been paced by highly touted freshman Andrey Dmitriev. Dmitriev was the top freshman competitor at the Keydets' last meet, the Blue Ridge Open, as he clocked in 12th with his 25:34 effort.The Keydets were a disappointing sixth at that meet, trailing both Coastal Carolina and eventual meet winner High Point. However, Dmitriev was also VMI's top competitor at the Big South Preview meet, a meet the Keydets won by 16 points over heavy favorite Liberty. VMI's success depends on its depth, as the Keydets had five runners in the top-12 that day at the same course that these championships will be held on.

Junior Ermin Mujezinovic has been the Keydets' #2 runner for the majority of the year, with a season best of 25:24 at the Paul Short Run on Oct. 2. VMI's top two have been supported by depth, including senior Matt Sagar, who was 12th at the Big South Preview and posted a personal best of 25:32 at the Paul Short Run. Sophomore Noah Hagos has been solid throughout the year, as have freshmen Ian McGinn and Booth Hornsby. Junior Felix Kitur could be a factor as well, as he continues to reacclimate to the cross country setting after redshirting the 2008 campaign.