VMI is arguably the hardest job in the country: As a senior military college with a proud tradition of disciplined and demanding principles (not to mention austere conditions), reconciling the ability to find success on the lacrosse field while building -- and recruiting -- the kind of individuals that the Institute seeks to form is a frighteningly challenging undertaking. The purpose of VMI's lacrosse concern is greater than mere wins and losses, yet the ultra-competitive environment of Division I lacrosse provides little relief for such recognition.

With that as a backdrop, Brian Anken -- VMI's head coach since arriving in Lexington for the 2011 season -- has resigned his position at the Institute and VMI has opened a head coaching search:

Virginia Military Institute Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach Brian Anken has resigned his post to pursue other professional opportunities, Athletics Director Dr. Dave Diles announced Tuesday.

Anken’s resignation is effective June 30.

Anken recently completed his fifth season at VMI and compiled a 10-59 overall record during that time including 4-25 in conference play that included seasons in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, A-Sun, and SoCon.

VMI's best record under Anken came in 2012, a 4-10 campaign that witnessed the Keydets drop four teams with a combined 13-44 record. During Anken's tenure, the program suffered through two seasons featuring a single victory against at least a dozen losses while two other years yielded two wins in the left hand column of the Keydets' record. In 2015, VMI patiently waited until the last date on its calendar -- a neural site meeting with UMass-Lowell -- to earn its first -- and only -- triumph of the 2015 season.