Cowell was born in Clay Center, Kansas in 1899 and served in the United States Army during World War I.

He attended Kansas State Agricultural College, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball before graduating in 1922.

[2] Cowell served as the head coach of the Florida Gators basketball team from 1925 to 1933, compiling an eight-season win–loss record of 83–96.

[3] He also coached the Florida Gators baseball team from 1927 to 1933, tallying a seven-season record of 61–65–2.

Cowell quit coaching after the 1948 football season, but remained Stetson's athletic director until his retirement in 1968.