The Lee-Jackson Classic game between Washington & Lee and VMI marks one of the longest rivalries in NCAA lacrosse, dating back to the 1988 season.

The game itself dated back to 1987, when the two schools battled on VMI’s parade ground. VMI, then in its fifth season with a varsity program, battled a W&L team ranked No. 1 in Division III into the fourth quarter before the Generals pulled away for a 15-9 win. 

“There were 1,200 to 1,500 people at the game and they had to stop it several times to move people off the end lines,” said former VMI head coach Doug Bartlett. “The atmosphere at the game was unbelievable and helped give birth to the Lee-Jackson Classic.” 

The inaugural game was played in 1988 on W&L’s Wilson Field, with VMI winning 15-9. The Generals then won 16 straight games from 1989 through 2004, but VMI has won three of the six games played since, including a thrilling 15-13 win last season at the new Wilson Field.

LINKS: Keydets Win 2009 Lee-Jackson Classic, 15-13