[1] Cornell was not a star player in juniors, averaging less than a point per game for the Niagara Falls Flyers.
Cornell was ready for the start of the following season and, with many of the '67 Big Red's top scorers graduating, he was able to assume a more prominent role in the offense.
He was named Second Team All-conference and All-American and helped Cornell compile an astounding 26–1 record heading into the national tournament.
As a senior, Cornell was named team co-Captain with Bruce Pattison and responded by setting a program record for points in a season with 74.
The Big Red again entered the NCAA Tournament 26–1 but, despite a scare from Michigan Tech, reached the championship match.