That was pretty funny, I don't think I've ever seen Renato call someone out like that. He deserved it though, talking trash about an athlete Renato coached when he knew nothing about the situation.
Anyway, anyone who says the cross country kills speed has very little to no idea what they are talking about. All you need to do is look at Bekele, the guy is the greatest cross country runner ever, and to my knowledge has only ever been out kicked twice in major championships. Both of these were by two of histories greatest milers. Now, running purely base miles may hurt pure 100, 200, or maybe 400 speed, but as Renato pointed out it's not what you're doing that is causing the problem so much as what you're not doing. Or, it's not the miles that kill the speed, it's the lack of speed work.
Using the example of the op's situation, if you run 4:25 for the mile as a freshman, you've probably got pretty good natural speed anyway. A good cross country season in which he ups his previous mileage levels, does the good cross country work, and still touches on speed will pay great dividends in the spring. In my experience it does not take much focus on speed during cross country or base work to keep or improve your speed. A once a week hill session like Renato suggests or for some people strides at 800-1500 pace weekly can do the trick.
I realize I pretty much reiterated what everyone else had already said, but this is a pet peeve of mine and I'm too weak to not comment.