IT'S OFFICIAL: CORTLAND AT UNION.(Sports)(Correction notice)

Byline: Tim Wilkin Staff writer

As expected, Union College's football team was made the No.1 seed in the East by the NCAA DivisionIII selection committee Sunday.

The only drama left was whether or not the committe would give the 10-0 Dutchmen a home game. Coach Al Bagnoli's team was rewarded when the committee allowed the Dutchmen to stay home for the first round. Union will play Cortland State (9-1), the second seed, at 12:30p.m. Saturday.

"I kind of expected that we would get Cortland," Bagnoli said, "and it's nice that we get to stay at home. It insures a fast track (Union has artificial turf), and, at this time of the year, I think most people want to see a game like this on a fast track."

Bagnoli's knowledge about Cortland State's team is little. A couple of his assistants were supposed to meet some Cortland assistants on the New York State Thruway Sunday night and exchange game films.

Preparation was scheduled to start for Cortland as soon as the films were brought back to Schenectady.

"We've been enjoying the unbeaten season but we'll be going to work soon," Bagnoli said. "The Cortland game will be a good test for us."

Bagnoli said he does know Cortland's defense is strong. He said they have shut out six opponents this season. And he is good friends with Cortland coach Dennis Kayser. The two were roommates when they were both assistants under Bob Ford at Albany State.

This will be the first post-season game for the Dutchmen since 1986.

"This is what you coach for," Bagnoli said. "The opportunity to play in a game like this is great for any program. It gives you the chance to see how you stack up in national competition."

If Union wins, it will play the winner of Hofstra (8-2) vs. Montclair State (8-1- 1), a game to be played Saturday at Montclair State in New Jersey.

Tickets for the Union-Cortland State game will go on sale Tuesday at the Memorial Fieldhouse ticket window. They will be sold from 9a.m. to 4p.m. through Friday. Prices are $3 for Union and Cortland State students (lawn seats and standing room). General admission is $5 (lawn seats and standing room) and reserved seating in the bleachers (limited to 1,500 seats) is $6.