VMI Keydets football
Encyclopedia
The VMI Keydets football team represents the Virginia Military Institute
in Lexington, Virginia
. The Keydets compete in the Big South Conference
of the NCAA Division I FCS, and are currently coached by Sparky Woods
, now in his 4th year. VMI plays their home contests at 10,000-seat Alumni Memorial Field, as they have since 1962.
VMI is biggest rivals against The Citadel
, as the two teams have battled 67 times, with Citadel leading the series 35-30-2. The winner of each game receives an award known as the "Silver Shako", which has rested at The Citadel since 2003. The last contest occurred on October 29, 2011, as The Citadel won convincingly 41-14. In addition to The Citadel, VMI has minor rivalries with William & Mary and Richmond
. The Tribe and the Keydets first met in 1908, and William & Mary leads that series 52-33-2. VMI's competition with Richmond goes back farther, to just their third year of existence (1893
). Richmond has won 41 games to VMI's 40, and the teams have tied five times. Also, the Keydets have played Virginia
and Virginia Tech
82 and 79 times, respectively.
. No player or coaching records are known from that game. However, the first organized team started in 1891 under coach Walter Taylor
. It was the first time VMI had an intercollegiate football team since that 1873 season. The Keydets went 3-0-1, beating and tying Washington and Lee once, and defeating St. John's and Pantops Academy
.
From that year to before turn of the century, VMI had a combined 3 coaches and a total record of 29-10-1 (from 1892
to 1894
, the school had no coach).
r William Roper. Roper was less successful, going 5-6 with the Keydets in two years.
Later in 1911, VMI saw even more success, under Alpha Brummage for two years. In that time, VMI went 14-2, their only losses to Virginia and St. John's. They were 7-1-2 under Henry Poaque
the following year. In 1920, Blandy Clarkson lead VMI to its third perfect season at 9-0. At this time, VMI had joined the South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association
and had been a member since 1918.
. The stadium was situated around the same place it is today, and was completed at a total cost of $69,000. In the stadium's inaugural year, the Keydets went 3-5-1, which included drubbings of Roanoke, Hampden-Sydney, and Virginia.
, where they would stay for 79 years. In their first season in the SoCon, the team went 6-3-1, good for 13th place in a crowded conference of 22. When Clarkson left the Institute after the 1926 season, he compiled 34 total wins, 21 losses, and 2 ties in seven years with the Keydets.
took over for his predecessor Raftery in the 1937 season, which the Keydets went an even 5-5. Hubert's most successful fall with VMI was in 1940, where the squad finished 7-2-1, though it was only good enough to get them 7th in the conference. Hubert left with a 43-45-8 record after ten seasons. In the past 27 years VMI had only been under the command of three coaches.
took his place in 1949. Though the first two years were nothing special, Nugent took the 1951 to their first SoCon championship with a 7-3 record. The season included a 34-0 shutout of Richmond, a 29-6 beating of Wofford
, a 27-21 win over rival Citadel, and a 20-7 win over Virginia Tech in the season finale. Nugent left after the next year.
Possibly the greatest era in VMI football history was under John McKenna
. In his thirteen years with the Keydets, McKenna had a record of 62-60-8, and won four SoCon championships. These occurred in 1957 (9-0-1), 1959 (8-1-1), 1960 (7-2-1), and 1962 (6-4).
In the same year VMI won the 1962 Southern Conference, 10,000-seat Alumni Memorial Field was built. Costs were around $250,000. A $15 million improvement was made to the stadium in 2006.
came to VMI in 1971. Thalman brought another two SoCon championships to VMI in 1974 and '77. He departed in 1984 after a 1-9 season.
took over the head coaching position for four years, all losing seasons. He was followed by Jim Shuck
, Bill Stewart, Ted Cain
, and Cal McCombs
until 2005. No coach could produce a winning season for the Keydets.
after 79 years in the SoCon, when things were getting worse there. They were still under McCombs, who would be fired after 2005. Jim Reid
would coach for two years, with a 3-19 total record. Sparky Woods
, the current coach for the Keydets, became the 30th head coach in 2008. Still, VMI has not posted a winning season since 1981.
s and and 15 Oyster Bowl
s.
Pound sign (#) denotes interim head coach
. The field's surface is Bermuda Grass.
VMI chose a kangaroo to represent the school as a mascot in 1947, when two cheerleaders saw one on a magazine cover and thought how "uncommon the animal was as a mascot". Originally the kangaroo was named TD Bound, but later changed to Moe at an unknown time. VMI is one of four colleges with a marsupial mascot. Zippy
of Akron
is the one other school with a kangaroo mascot.
Around 45 minutes before VMI home games, the Corps of Cadets march from their barracks down to Foster Stadium while the regimental band plays. VMI uniquely requires every student to attend the football games from start to finish.
A replica of a 1750 Howitzer cannon, "Little John" is a corps-owned cannon fires when the Keydets come on to the field, and after every VMI score and quarter end. The one currently in use was designed by Col. Cary S. Tucker. The previous one was retired to the VMI museum after the undefeated 1957 football team finished.
Arguably VMI's biggest rival, The Citadel and the Keydets have played 66 times in a match up known as the Military Classic of the South
. The teams first met in 1920, where VMI rolled to a 35-0 shutout win in Lynchburg. The most recent meeting occurred in 2007, when The Citadel prevailed 70-28. The Silver Shako (the trophy for winning the contest) has rested in Charleston since 2003. The Classic has been set to be played once every year through 2014.
Virginia Military Institute
The Virginia Military Institute , located in Lexington, Virginia, is the oldest state-supported military college and one of six senior military colleges in the United States. Unlike any other military college in the United States—and in keeping with its founding principles—all VMI students are...
in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington, Virginia
Lexington is an independent city within the confines of Rockbridge County in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 7,042 in 2010. Lexington is about 55 minutes east of the West Virginia border and is about 50 miles north of Roanoke, Virginia. It was first settled in 1777.It is home to...
. The Keydets compete in the Big South Conference
Big South Conference
The Big South Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division I. The conference's football teams are part of the Football Championship Subdivision...
of the NCAA Division I FCS, and are currently coached by Sparky Woods
Sparky Woods
-External links:*...
, now in his 4th year. VMI plays their home contests at 10,000-seat Alumni Memorial Field, as they have since 1962.
VMI is biggest rivals against The Citadel
The Citadel Bulldogs
The Citadel Bulldogs are the athletic teams that represent The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. All sports participate in the NCAA Division I. Varsity sports compete primarily in the Southern Conference, although the Rifle teams compete in the South Eastern Air Rifle Conference...
, as the two teams have battled 67 times, with Citadel leading the series 35-30-2. The winner of each game receives an award known as the "Silver Shako", which has rested at The Citadel since 2003. The last contest occurred on October 29, 2011, as The Citadel won convincingly 41-14. In addition to The Citadel, VMI has minor rivalries with William & Mary and Richmond
Richmond Spiders football
The Richmond Spiders are a college football team representing the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the Division I Football Championship Subdivision champion for the 2008 season. Richmond currently competes in the Colonial Athletic Association of the NCAA's Division I...
. The Tribe and the Keydets first met in 1908, and William & Mary leads that series 52-33-2. VMI's competition with Richmond goes back farther, to just their third year of existence (1893
1893 VMI Keydets football team
The 1893 VMI Keydets football team represented the Virginia Military Institute in their third ever season of organized football. VMI went 3-1, suffering their first loss in the short team history.- Schedule :- External links :*...
). Richmond has won 41 games to VMI's 40, and the teams have tied five times. Also, the Keydets have played Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers football
Virginia Cavaliers football is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS and the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
and Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Hokies football
The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over...
82 and 79 times, respectively.
Conference affiliations
| Conference | Joined | Left |
|---|---|---|
| Big South Big South Conference The Big South Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division I. The conference's football teams are part of the Football Championship Subdivision... |
2003 | |
| Southern Southern Conference The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North... |
1924 | 2002 |
| SAIAA South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association The South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association was an intercollegiate athletic conference. The SAIAA was first formed in 1907 and remained active until 1921... |
1918 | 1921 |
| Independent | 1891 | 1918 |
19th century
VMI football dates back to 1873 with a one game season, a 4-2 loss to Washington and LeeWashington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Virginia, United States.The classical school from which Washington and Lee descended was established in 1749 as Augusta Academy, about north of its present location. In 1776 it was renamed Liberty Hall in a burst of...
. No player or coaching records are known from that game. However, the first organized team started in 1891 under coach Walter Taylor
Walter Taylor (American football)
-External links:...
. It was the first time VMI had an intercollegiate football team since that 1873 season. The Keydets went 3-0-1, beating and tying Washington and Lee once, and defeating St. John's and Pantops Academy
Pantops Academy
Pantops Academy is a school in Charlottesville, Virginia. John Leighton Stuart started attending the school in 1892 when it had one of the highest reputations among all the Southern private schools. After graduation, Stuart eventually came back to the school, teaching Latin and Greek there for...
.
From that year to before turn of the century, VMI had a combined 3 coaches and a total record of 29-10-1 (from 1892
1892 VMI Keydets football team
The 1892 VMI Keydets football team represented the Virginia Military Institute in their second ever season of organized football. The Keydets went 4-0-1, a game better than they were the previous season.- Schedule :- External links :*...
to 1894
1894 VMI Keydets football team
The 1894 VMI Keydets football team represented the Virginia Military Institute in their fourth ever season of organized football. The Keydets held a 6-0 record, their first undefeated season in team history.- Schedule :- Ends :- Guards :...
, the school had no coach).
1900-1920
VMI continued to have usual success on the field. Sam Walker became the head coach 1900-1902, as he was replaced by future College Football Hall of FameCollege Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
r William Roper. Roper was less successful, going 5-6 with the Keydets in two years.
Later in 1911, VMI saw even more success, under Alpha Brummage for two years. In that time, VMI went 14-2, their only losses to Virginia and St. John's. They were 7-1-2 under Henry Poaque
Henry Poaque
Henry Grigsley Poague was the 11th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for the 1913 season. His career coaching record at VMI was 7 wins, 1 losses, and 2 ties. This ranks him 18th at VMI in total wins and third...
the following year. In 1920, Blandy Clarkson lead VMI to its third perfect season at 9-0. At this time, VMI had joined the South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association
South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association
The South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association was an intercollegiate athletic conference. The SAIAA was first formed in 1907 and remained active until 1921...
and had been a member since 1918.
Alumni Field
Before VMI built Alumni Field in 1921, they played their games on the Parade Ground, which was in front of BarracksBarracks, Virginia Military Institute
Barracks, Virginia Military Institute, also known as Old Barracks is a historic building still in use on the campus of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. They were designed by architect Alexander Jackson Davis and built in 1848....
. The stadium was situated around the same place it is today, and was completed at a total cost of $69,000. In the stadium's inaugural year, the Keydets went 3-5-1, which included drubbings of Roanoke, Hampden-Sydney, and Virginia.
Blandy Clarkson era
After two years with VMI, the Keydets were 12-5-1 under Clarkson. He led the Institute to 7-2 and 9-1 seasons in 1923 and '24, respectively. VMI joined the Southern ConferenceSouthern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
, where they would stay for 79 years. In their first season in the SoCon, the team went 6-3-1, good for 13th place in a crowded conference of 22. When Clarkson left the Institute after the 1926 season, he compiled 34 total wins, 21 losses, and 2 ties in seven years with the Keydets.
William Raftery era
When William "Bill" Raftery took over head coach of VMI, he went 6-4 in his first year, among the last in the SoCon. Raftery led the team to an 8-2 season in 1929, but it would be the last winning season for VMI until Raftery's final season in 1936. In ten years his total record at VMI was 38-55-5.Allison Huber era
Allison HubertAllison Hubert
Allison T. "Pooley" Hubert was an All American American football player who played at the University of Alabama from 1922 to 1925. He later became the head football and basketball coach at Southern Mississippi University and the Virginia Military Institute...
took over for his predecessor Raftery in the 1937 season, which the Keydets went an even 5-5. Hubert's most successful fall with VMI was in 1940, where the squad finished 7-2-1, though it was only good enough to get them 7th in the conference. Hubert left with a 43-45-8 record after ten seasons. In the past 27 years VMI had only been under the command of three coaches.
Tom Nugent era
Arthur Morton left the Institute after just two years coaching and held a 9-8-1 record. Tom NugentTom Nugent
Thomas N. "Tom" Nugent was an American college football coach and innovator, sportscaster, public relations man. He served as the head football coach at the Virginia Military Institute, Florida State University, and the University of Maryland. His career record was 89–80–3...
took his place in 1949. Though the first two years were nothing special, Nugent took the 1951 to their first SoCon championship with a 7-3 record. The season included a 34-0 shutout of Richmond, a 29-6 beating of Wofford
Wofford Terriers
Wofford College sponsors 18 sports for men's and women's programs. The Terriers also compete in the Southern Conference, and have been a part of the league since the 1997–98 academic year. Wofford and the other SoCon members play football in the Football Championship Subdivision...
, a 27-21 win over rival Citadel, and a 20-7 win over Virginia Tech in the season finale. Nugent left after the next year.
Alumni Memorial Field and John McKenna era
John McKenna
John McKenna , born in County Monaghan, Ireland, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool....
. In his thirteen years with the Keydets, McKenna had a record of 62-60-8, and won four SoCon championships. These occurred in 1957 (9-0-1), 1959 (8-1-1), 1960 (7-2-1), and 1962 (6-4).
In the same year VMI won the 1962 Southern Conference, 10,000-seat Alumni Memorial Field was built. Costs were around $250,000. A $15 million improvement was made to the stadium in 2006.
Bob Thalman era
Bob ThalmanBob Thalman
Robert J. Thalman is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Hampden–Sydney College from 1956 to 1959 and at the Virginia Military Institute from 1971 to 1984, winning Southern Conference championships in 1974 and 1977, compiling a career college...
came to VMI in 1971. Thalman brought another two SoCon championships to VMI in 1974 and '77. He departed in 1984 after a 1-9 season.
1985-2002
Eddie WilliamsonEddie Williamson
Eddie Williamson is an American football coach and former player. He was the 24th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for four seasons, from 1985 until 1988. His career coaching record at VMI was 10 wins, 33...
took over the head coaching position for four years, all losing seasons. He was followed by Jim Shuck
Jim Shuck
James L. Shuck is a former American football player and coach. He was the 25th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for five seasons, from 1989 until 1993. His career coaching record at VMI was 14 wins, 40 losses,...
, Bill Stewart, Ted Cain
Ted Cain
Ted Cain coached in the college football ranks for over 30 years. He is the former offensive coordinator, former special teams coordinator, and former tight-ends coach at Vanderbilt University...
, and Cal McCombs
Cal McCombs
Cal McCombs is a former American football player and coach. He was the 29th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for seven seasons, from 1999 until 2005. His career coaching record at VMI was 19 wins, 60 losses,...
until 2005. No coach could produce a winning season for the Keydets.
Big South
In 2003, VMI joined the Big South ConferenceBig South Conference
The Big South Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division I. The conference's football teams are part of the Football Championship Subdivision...
after 79 years in the SoCon, when things were getting worse there. They were still under McCombs, who would be fired after 2005. Jim Reid
Jim Reid
Jim Reid is the lead singer for the alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain, which he formed with his elder brother and guitarist William Reid -The Jesus and Mary Chain:...
would coach for two years, with a 3-19 total record. Sparky Woods
Sparky Woods
-External links:*...
, the current coach for the Keydets, became the 30th head coach in 2008. Still, VMI has not posted a winning season since 1981.
Current coaching staff
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Sparky Woods Sparky Woods -External links:*... |
Head Coach |
| Matt Campbell | Offensive Coordinator |
| AJ Christoff | Defensive Coordinator |
| Greg Shockley | Running Backs Coach |
| Mayur Chaudhari | Quality Control/Safeties Coach |
| Greg Harris | Outside Linebackers Coach |
| George Handler | Quality Control/Tight Ends |
| Winston October | Wide Receivers Coach |
| Don Woods | Chief of Staff/Defensive Line Coach |
Record vs. Big South opponents
| School | Series | First meeting | Last meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern | VMI 6-5-0 | 2000 | 2011 |
| Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football Coastal Carolina University announced in the late '90's that they would be fielding a football squad in the coming years. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football program played its inaugural season in 2003 on campus at Brooks Stadium. The team is coached by David Bennett, who has held the... |
CCU 2-6-0 | 2003 | 2011 |
| Gardner-Webb | GWU 1-8-0 | 2003 | 2011 |
| Liberty Liberty Flames football The Liberty Flames is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FCS, in the Big South Conference.-History:Liberty's football program is headed by Danny Rocco , who had coached for the New York Jets and Virginia Cavaliers under Al Groh... |
LU 3-8-0 | 1995 | 2011 |
| Presbyterian | VMI 3-2-0 | 2007 | 2011 |
| Stony Brook Stony Brook Seawolves football The Stony Brook Seawolves football team is a collegiate football team that competes in NCAA Division I FCS and in the Big South Conference. Stony Brook University first fielded a team in 1984 and rose to Division II in 1994. In 1999 the Seawolves rose to Division I non-scholarship as part of the... |
SBU 4-0-0 | 2008 | 2011 |
Bowl games
The Keydets have six wins and 18 losses in 24 minor bowl games. This includes nine Tobacco BowlTobacco Bowl
The Tobacco Bowl was a college football bowl game that was held in South Boston, Virginia, from 1935 until 1941, and then relocated to Richmond from 1948 to 1984. It was not a postseason bowl game, and it typically featured regional teams from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina...
s and and 15 Oyster Bowl
Oyster Bowl
The Oyster Bowl is a regular season college football game played annually in the Hampton Roads-area of Virginia. The game has featured match-ups between high school, NCAA Division III, and at present, NCAA Division I teams at various points in its existence...
s.
| Year | Bowl Game | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Tobacco Bowl Tobacco Bowl The Tobacco Bowl was a college football bowl game that was held in South Boston, Virginia, from 1935 until 1941, and then relocated to Richmond from 1948 to 1984. It was not a postseason bowl game, and it typically featured regional teams from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina... |
Richmond Spiders Richmond Spiders football The Richmond Spiders are a college football team representing the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the Division I Football Championship Subdivision champion for the 2008 season. Richmond currently competes in the Colonial Athletic Association of the NCAA's Division I... |
W 14-7 |
| 1952 | Tobacco Bowl | Virginia Cavaliers Virginia Cavaliers football Virginia Cavaliers football is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS and the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
L 33-14 |
| 1963 | Oyster Bowl Oyster Bowl The Oyster Bowl is a regular season college football game played annually in the Hampton Roads-area of Virginia. The game has featured match-ups between high school, NCAA Division III, and at present, NCAA Division I teams at various points in its existence... |
Navy Midshipmen Navy Midshipmen football The Navy Midshipmen football team represents the United States Naval Academy in NCAA Division I-A college football. They are a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision independent school and coached by Ken Niumatalolo since December 2007... |
L 21-12 |
| 1964 | Tobacco Bowl | Virginia Cavaliers | L 20-19 |
| 1967 | Tobacco Bowl | William & Mary William & Mary Tribe football The William & Mary Tribe are a college football team representing the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. William & Mary currently competes in the Colonial Athletic Association of the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision. As of 2010, Jimmye Laycock is in his 31st... |
L 33-28 |
| 1969 | Tobacco Bowl | Virginia Cavaliers | L 28-10 |
| 1974 | Tobacco Bowl | Virginia Tech Hokies Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
W 22-17 |
| 1975 | Tobacco Bowl | Richmond Spiders | L 24-19 |
| 1976 | Boston | Virginia Tech Hokies | L 37-7 |
| 1976 | Oyster Bowl | Virginia Cavaliers | W 13-7 |
| 1978 | Tobacco Bowl | Richmond Spiders | W 23-6 |
| 1980 | Oyster Bowl | Virginia Tech Hokies | L 21-6 |
| 1981 | Oyster Bowl | The Citadel Bulldogs | W 14-0 |
| 1982 | Tobacco Bowl | Richmond Spiders | W 14-0 |
| 1982 | Oyster Bowl | Virginia Tech Hokies | L 14-3 |
| 1984 | Oyster Bowl | Virginia Tech Hokies | L 54-7 |
| 1987 | Oyster Bowl | William & Mary Tribe | L 17-6 |
| 1988 | Oyster Bowl | The Citadel Bulldogs | L 31-20 |
| 1990 | Oyster Bowl | William & Mary Tribe | L 59-47 |
| 1991 | Oyster Bowl | The Citadel Bulldogs | L 14-17 |
| 1992 | Oyster Bowl | Richmond Spiders | L 41-18 |
| 1993 | Oyster Bowl | William & Mary Tribe | L 49-6 |
| 1994 | Oyster Bowl | The Citadel Bulldogs | L 58-14 |
| 1995 | Oyster Bowl | Georgia Southern Eagles Georgia Southern Eagles football The Georgia Southern Eagles represent Georgia Southern University in football as part of the Southern Conference under head coach Jeff Monken. The Eagles have won an unprecedented six FCS national championships and eight Southern Conference championships and have produced two Walter Payton Award... |
L 31-13 |
Undefeated seasons
| Year | Record | Coach |
|---|---|---|
| 1894 1894 VMI Keydets football team The 1894 VMI Keydets football team represented the Virginia Military Institute in their fourth ever season of organized football. The Keydets held a 6-0 record, their first undefeated season in team history.- Schedule :- Ends :- Guards :... |
6-0 | None |
| 1899 1899 VMI Keydets football team The 1899 VMI Keydets football team represented the Virginia Military Institute in their ninth season of organized football. Samuel Boyle, Jr. coached his second season for the Keydets, which featured only one game—a 39–0 win over .... |
1-0 | Samuel Boyle, Jr. |
| 1920 | 9-0 | Blandy Clarkson |
| 1957 | 9-0 | John McKenna John McKenna John McKenna , born in County Monaghan, Ireland, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool.... |
Conference Championships
| Year | Record | Coach |
|---|---|---|
| 1894 | 7-3 | Tom Nugent Tom Nugent Thomas N. "Tom" Nugent was an American college football coach and innovator, sportscaster, public relations man. He served as the head football coach at the Virginia Military Institute, Florida State University, and the University of Maryland. His career record was 89–80–3... |
| 1957 | 9-0 | John McKenna John McKenna John McKenna , born in County Monaghan, Ireland, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool.... |
| 1959 | 8-1-1 | John McKenna John McKenna John McKenna , born in County Monaghan, Ireland, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool.... |
| 1960 | 7-2-1 | John McKenna John McKenna John McKenna , born in County Monaghan, Ireland, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool.... |
| 1962 | 6-4 | John McKenna John McKenna John McKenna , born in County Monaghan, Ireland, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool.... |
| 1974 | 7-4 | Bob Thalman Bob Thalman Robert J. Thalman is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Hampden–Sydney College from 1956 to 1959 and at the Virginia Military Institute from 1971 to 1984, winning Southern Conference championships in 1974 and 1977, compiling a career college... |
| 1977 | 7-4 | Bob Thalman Bob Thalman Robert J. Thalman is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Hampden–Sydney College from 1956 to 1959 and at the Virginia Military Institute from 1971 to 1984, winning Southern Conference championships in 1974 and 1977, compiling a career college... |
2012
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Sep. 1 | @ Delaware State |
| Sep. 15 | Richmond Richmond Spiders The Richmond Spiders represent the University of Richmond, a member of the NCAA's Division I and a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference for all sports except football and women's golf, which participate as members of the Colonial Athletic Association.... |
| Sep. 22 | @ Navy Navy Midshipmen The United States Naval Academy sponsors 30 varsity-sports teams and 12 club-sports teams . Both men's and women's teams are called Navy Midshipmen or "Mids"... |
| Oct. 6 | Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina Chanticleers The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are the athletic teams that represent Coastal Carolina University. They participate in Division I of the NCAA and are a charter member of the Big South Conference. Coastal fields varsity teams in 16 sports, 8 each for both men and women. The football team competes... |
| Oct. 13 | @ Charleston Southern Charleston Southern Buccaneers Charleston Southern Buccaneers are the athletic teams that represent Charleston Southern University. They participate in Division I of the NCAA as a member of the Big South Conference. Charleston Southern fields varsity teams in 16 sports, 7 for Men and 9 for Women... |
| Oct. 20 | Presbyterian |
| Oct. 27 | @ Gardner-Webb |
| Nov. 3 | @ Stony Brook Stony Brook Seawolves The Stony Brook Seawolves are the athletic teams of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, United States. The school is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and participates in the America East Conference for all sports except football in which they participate as... |
| Nov. 10 | The Citadel The Citadel Bulldogs The Citadel Bulldogs are the athletic teams that represent The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. All sports participate in the NCAA Division I. Varsity sports compete primarily in the Southern Conference, although the Rifle teams compete in the South Eastern Air Rifle Conference... |
| Nov. 17 | Liberty Liberty Flames The Liberty University Flames are the athletics teams of Liberty University. The Liberty Flames are a member of the NCAA Division I level in 18 sports... |
2013
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Sep. 14 | Bucknell Bucknell Bison The Bucknell Bison are the athletic teams of Bucknell University. The program is a member of the Patriot League for Division I sports, Division I-AA in football.Bucknell won the first Orange Bowl... |
| Sep. 21 | @ Virginia Virginia Cavaliers The Virginia Cavaliers, also known as Wahoos or Hoos, are the athletic teams officially representing the University of Virginia in college sports. The Cavaliers compete in 25 NCAA Division I varsity sports and are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
| Oct. 12 | Charleston Southern Charleston Southern Buccaneers Charleston Southern Buccaneers are the athletic teams that represent Charleston Southern University. They participate in Division I of the NCAA as a member of the Big South Conference. Charleston Southern fields varsity teams in 16 sports, 7 for Men and 9 for Women... |
| Oct. 19 | @ Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina Chanticleers The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are the athletic teams that represent Coastal Carolina University. They participate in Division I of the NCAA and are a charter member of the Big South Conference. Coastal fields varsity teams in 16 sports, 8 each for both men and women. The football team competes... |
| Oct. 20 | Gardner-Webb |
| Oct. 27 | @ Liberty Liberty Flames The Liberty University Flames are the athletics teams of Liberty University. The Liberty Flames are a member of the NCAA Division I level in 18 sports... |
| Nov. 3 | @ Presbyterian |
| Nov. 10 | @ The Citadel The Citadel Bulldogs The Citadel Bulldogs are the athletic teams that represent The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. All sports participate in the NCAA Division I. Varsity sports compete primarily in the Southern Conference, although the Rifle teams compete in the South Eastern Air Rifle Conference... |
| Nov. 17 | Stony Brook Stony Brook Seawolves The Stony Brook Seawolves are the athletic teams of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, United States. The school is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and participates in the America East Conference for all sports except football in which they participate as... |
2014
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Sep. 6 | @ Bowling Green Bowling Green Falcons The Bowling Green Falcons are the intercollegiate athletic teams of Bowling Green State University, located in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Falcons participate in NCAA Division I in the Mid-American Conference and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. BGSU is one of only 13 universities in the... |
| Nov. 15 | The Citadel The Citadel Bulldogs The Citadel Bulldogs are the athletic teams that represent The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. All sports participate in the NCAA Division I. Varsity sports compete primarily in the Southern Conference, although the Rifle teams compete in the South Eastern Air Rifle Conference... |
Head coaches
Sparky Woods, the current Keydet head coach, is the 30th all-time. (Note: From 1892-1894, the team had no coach)| Name | Joined | Left |
|---|---|---|
| Walter Taylor Walter Taylor (American football) -External links:... |
1891 | 1891 |
| George Bryant | 1895 | 1896 |
| R. N. Groner R. N. Groner Robert N. Groner was the third head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for the 1897 season. His career coaching record at VMI was 3 wins, 2 losses, and 0 ties. This ranks him 25th at VMI in total wins and ninth at VMI... |
1897 | 1897 |
| Samuel Boyle | 1898 | 1899 |
| Sam Walker | 1900 | 1902 |
| William Roper | 1903 | 1904 |
| Ira Johnson | 1905 | 1906 |
| Charles Roller | 1907 | 1908 |
| William Gloth | 1909 | 1910 |
| Alpha Brummage | 1911 | 1912 |
| Henry Poaque Henry Poaque Henry Grigsley Poague was the 11th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for the 1913 season. His career coaching record at VMI was 7 wins, 1 losses, and 2 ties. This ranks him 18th at VMI in total wins and third... |
1913 | 1913 |
| Frank Gorton Frank Gorton Frank H. Gorton was the 12th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for three seasons, from 1914 until 1916. His career coaching record at VMI was 14 wins, 11 losses, and 1 ties. This ranks him eighth at VMI in... |
1914 | 1916 |
| Earl Abell Earl Abell Earl C. "Tuffy" Abell was an American football player and coach. He played college football as a tackle at Colgate University. He later returned to Colgate as an assistant coach in 1925, and took over the head coaching job in 1928. He spent the 1929 and 1930 football seasons as head coach of... |
1917 | 1917 |
| Earl Abell Earl Abell Earl C. "Tuffy" Abell was an American football player and coach. He played college football as a tackle at Colgate University. He later returned to Colgate as an assistant coach in 1925, and took over the head coaching job in 1928. He spent the 1929 and 1930 football seasons as head coach of... & Mose Goodman Mose Goodman "Mose" Goodman was the 14th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for the 1918 season. His career coaching record at VMI was 1 wins, 3 losses, and 0 ties. This ranks him 28th at VMI in total wins and 23rd at VMI in... |
1918 | 1918 |
| Red Fleming Red Fleming "Red" Fleming was the 15th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for the 1919 season. His career coaching record at VMI was 6 wins, 2 losses, and 0 ties. This ranks him 20th at VMI in total wins and fourth at VMI... |
1919 | 1919 |
| Blandy Clarkson | 1920 | 1926 |
| W. C. Raftery W. C. Raftery -External links:... |
1927 | 1936 |
| Allison Hubert Allison Hubert Allison T. "Pooley" Hubert was an All American American football player who played at the University of Alabama from 1922 to 1925. He later became the head football and basketball coach at Southern Mississippi University and the Virginia Military Institute... |
1937 | 1946 |
| Arthur Morton | 1947 | 1948 |
| Tom Nugent Tom Nugent Thomas N. "Tom" Nugent was an American college football coach and innovator, sportscaster, public relations man. He served as the head football coach at the Virginia Military Institute, Florida State University, and the University of Maryland. His career record was 89–80–3... |
1949 | 1952 |
| John McKenna John McKenna (American football) -External links:... |
1953 | 1965 |
| Vito Ragazzo Vito Ragazzo Vito Ragazzo is a former American football player, coach, and scout. He served as the head football coach at the Virginia Military Institute from 1966 to 1970 and at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1985, compiling a career college football record of 51–72–1.-External links:*... |
1966 | 1970 |
| Bob Thalman Bob Thalman Robert J. Thalman is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Hampden–Sydney College from 1956 to 1959 and at the Virginia Military Institute from 1971 to 1984, winning Southern Conference championships in 1974 and 1977, compiling a career college... |
1971 | 1984 |
| Eddie Williamson Eddie Williamson Eddie Williamson is an American football coach and former player. He was the 24th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for four seasons, from 1985 until 1988. His career coaching record at VMI was 10 wins, 33... |
1985 | 1988 |
| Jim Shuck Jim Shuck James L. Shuck is a former American football player and coach. He was the 25th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for five seasons, from 1989 until 1993. His career coaching record at VMI was 14 wins, 40 losses,... |
1989 | 1993 |
| Bill Stewart | 1994 | 1996 |
| Ted Cain Ted Cain Ted Cain coached in the college football ranks for over 30 years. He is the former offensive coordinator, former special teams coordinator, and former tight-ends coach at Vanderbilt University... |
1997 | 1998 |
| Donny White Donny White Donny White is a college athletics administrator and former coach in the United States. He is currently the athletic director at the Virginia Military Institute , a position he has held since 1998... # |
1998 | 1998 |
| Cal McCombs Cal McCombs Cal McCombs is a former American football player and coach. He was the 29th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets located in Lexington, Virginia and he held that position for seven seasons, from 1999 until 2005. His career coaching record at VMI was 19 wins, 60 losses,... |
1999 | 2005 |
| Jim Reid | 2006 | 2007 |
| Sparky Woods Sparky Woods -External links:*... |
2008 | |
Pound sign (#) denotes interim head coach
Alumni Memorial Field
Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium, located on the VMI campus, has been the home of VMI football games since 1962. Completed at a cost of around $250,000, Foster seats 10,000. The stadium went through a major $15 million renovation process in 2006, with new ticket booths, concourses, restrooms, and a new scoreboard and jumbotronJumbotron
A JumboTron is a large-screen television using technology developed by Sony, typically used in sports stadiums and concert venues to show close-up shots of the event. Although JumboTron is a registered trademark owned by the Sony Corporation, the word jumbotron is often used by the public as a...
. The field's surface is Bermuda Grass.
Sprinturf Field
Sprinturf Field serves as the Keydets practice facility, made of artificial grass. It also serves host to 1-2 lacrosse games throughout the season.Traditions
- Moe the Kangaroo
VMI chose a kangaroo to represent the school as a mascot in 1947, when two cheerleaders saw one on a magazine cover and thought how "uncommon the animal was as a mascot". Originally the kangaroo was named TD Bound, but later changed to Moe at an unknown time. VMI is one of four colleges with a marsupial mascot. Zippy
Zippy (mascot)
Zippy is the mascot of the University of Akron athletics team. Zippy is a kangaroo, and was chosen by a committee in 1953.The school's nickname, "Zips," is a shortening of "Zippers," a pair of rubber overshoes and a brand name of the BF Goodrich Company of Akron. It was originally adopted by the...
of Akron
Akron Zips football
The University of Akron Zips are a college football program representing the University of Akron that competes in NCAA Division I FBS Mid-American Conference football...
is the one other school with a kangaroo mascot.
- 12th Man
Around 45 minutes before VMI home games, the Corps of Cadets march from their barracks down to Foster Stadium while the regimental band plays. VMI uniquely requires every student to attend the football games from start to finish.
- Little John
A replica of a 1750 Howitzer cannon, "Little John" is a corps-owned cannon fires when the Keydets come on to the field, and after every VMI score and quarter end. The one currently in use was designed by Col. Cary S. Tucker. The previous one was retired to the VMI museum after the undefeated 1957 football team finished.
- Military Classic of the South
Arguably VMI's biggest rival, The Citadel and the Keydets have played 66 times in a match up known as the Military Classic of the South
Military Classic of the South
The Military Classic of the South is an American college football rivalry game played by The Citadel Bulldogs football team of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and the VMI Keydets football team of the Virginia Military Institute. Although the teams first played in 1920, the...
. The teams first met in 1920, where VMI rolled to a 35-0 shutout win in Lynchburg. The most recent meeting occurred in 2007, when The Citadel prevailed 70-28. The Silver Shako (the trophy for winning the contest) has rested in Charleston since 2003. The Classic has been set to be played once every year through 2014.
Notable players
| Name | Team(s) | Played |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Maypray Tim Maypray Tim Maypray is an American professional football wide receiver, currently playing for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League . Maypray returns kicks for the Alouettes during the 2010 season... |
Montreal Alouettes Montreal Alouettes The Montreal Alouettes are a Canadian Football League team based in Montreal, Quebec.The current franchise named the Alouettes moved to Montreal from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1996 where they had been known as the Baltimore Stallions... |
2010-present |
| Gregory Clifton Gregory Clifton Gregory T. Clifton is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Johnson C. Smith University and the Virginia Military Institute.... |
Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
1993 |
| Sam Horner Sam Horner Samuel Watson Horner, III is a former American football halfback, defensive back, and punter in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants. He played college football at the Virginia Military Institute and was drafted in the second round of the 1960 NFL Draft.... |
Redskins, New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1960-62 |
| Joe Muha Joe Muha Joseph George "Joe" Muha was a professional American football fullback and linebacker in the National Football League. He played 5 seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and was their starting fullback four of those years. He was a two-time All-Pro selection.He served as a second lieutenant in the... |
Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1946-50 |
| Ray Reutt Ray Reutt Raymond Francis Reutt was a professional football player for one season, 1943, in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on... |
Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
1943 |
| Mark Stock | Redskins, Steelers, Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
1989, 93, 96 |
| Bobby Thomason Bobby Thomason Robert Lee "Bobby" Thomason is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was selected to three Pro Bowls. Thomason played college football at Virginia Military Institute and was drafted in... |
Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
1949-57 |
| Mike Wooten | Redskins | 1987 |
Team single game
- Most Rushing Attempts: 90 vs. East Tennessee State, 1990 (FCS record)
- Fewest passing yards allowed: -16 vs. RichmondRichmond Spiders footballThe Richmond Spiders are a college football team representing the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the Division I Football Championship Subdivision champion for the 2008 season. Richmond currently competes in the Colonial Athletic Association of the NCAA's Division I...
, 1957 (FBS record)