Schedule Update: Improved Legends Classic on the 2009-2010 Schedule

Some contracts still need to be signed before Cornell can finalize and announce the balance of its 2009-2010 schedule. We previously have indicated that anticipated opponents on the schedule include: Syracuse, Kansas, Alabama, Seton Hall, St. Joseph's, La Salle, Boston University, South Dakota, Bryant, and a holiday tournament.

Also among the expected games is Cornell's involvement in the Gazelle Group's Legends Classic, an exempt 12-team tournament which will run during November.

During its first three seasons, the Legends Classic struggled to assemble a competitive field of teams. For example, last season the Classic featured five non-Division I programs. This year's field appears to be much stronger.

The information we received indicates that UMass, Rutgers, Florida and Michigan State will each host the Classic's regional rounds with three teams in each of the four regions. After each region completes round robin play, the four host schools automatically advance to Newark, Jersey's Prudential Center for the "semifinal" rounds. The remaining eight schools move on to the "consolation" rounds where they are guaranteed two more games.

As an exempt tournament, Cornell's four games in the Legends Classic count as only one game towards Cornell's 28 game schedule limitation (as imposed by the NCAA and Ivy League). Thus, because of the Legends Classic, Cornell could schedule as many as 31 regular season games this season.

Below is the anticipated Legends Classic field:

Amherst Region
UMass (host)
Cornell
Toledo

Piscataway Region
Rutgers (host)
Drexel
Vermont

Gainseville Region
Florida (host)
Team 2 tba
Team 3 tba

East Lansing Region
Michigan State (host)
Team 2 tba
Team 3 tba