September 2, 2000

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Wet and muddy conditions did not slow the Virginia Tech men's and women's cross country teams Saturday as both squads picked up perfect-score victories over Virginia Military Institute.

Although the men were solid against VMI with a 15-50 score, the alumni team was another story. Mike Cox led the way for the ex-Hokies, with a winning time on the four-mile course of 20:16. He was followed in the team scoring by fellow graduates Jay Johns and Jason Dowdy.

Tech's top two runners, Chris Seaton and Ben Dowdy, are redshirting the season and therefore did not count in the overall scoring. Seaton took second and Ben Dowdy was fourth but without their efforts contributing to the team scores the alumni earned its first victory 29-30 in the nine years the meet has been held. Michael Christman and Paul Hayes were the top two varsity runners.

For the women, it was perfect scores all around as the varsity team went 15-50 over VMI and 15-48 against the alumni. Stacey Vidt picked up right where she left off last season, running the two-mile course in 11:39 to take the win. Freshman Kristin Price was close behind in second, followed by Chelsea Alverson, Kim Milbourn and Leah McBride.

Johanna Stumpf, last year 's meet winner, was sixth overall to lead the alumni team. Rachel Love was the Keydets' top performer, placing ninth in the race.

The Hokies continue their seasons at home on Friday, Sept. 15, at the Virginia Tech Invitational.