Don't Forget VMI

This article is part of a series spotlighting the new SoCon members entering in 2014.

The Keydets of Virginia Military Institute round out the new SoCon members in 2014-15.  This Lexington, Virginia-based school has an enrollment of around 1,500, making it a bit smaller than Wofford.

Like ETSU, VMI is not completely new to the SoCon.  They were members of the conference from 1924 (only four years after the SoCon's inception) until 2003.  Interestingly enough, the Terriers' first ever SoCon game, on September 6, 1997, was a 23-13 victory over the Keydets.  VMI departed from the SoCon in 2003 to join the Big South Conference, which houses familiar foes such as Presbyterian, Gardner-Webb, Charleston Southern, and the like.

Now, you may be asking, "I've heard of a cadet. Just what is a Keydet?"  According to this article by Charlie Zegers, the nickname refers to a variation of "cadet" spoken in a southern accent.

The football team is skippered by former Appalachian State and South Carolina coach Sparky Woods, who is entering his seventh season at VMI.  Last season, his squad had a disappointing 2-10(1-4 Big South) record.

Duggar Baucom, who just completed his ninth season, heads the men's basketball team.  Their 2013-14 campaign was successful, posting a 22-13(11-5 Big South) record and three wins in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament(CIT).

The Terriers get to see the Keydets on the gridiron on October 25 in Spartanburg.