Charles A. Cowley, Sr. - Basketball, Football

Year Inducted: 1991

Charles “Chuck” A. Cowley was born in Port Huron where he has lived his entire life.   Chuck played basketball and football at Washington Junior High School before entering high school.   He also belonged to the Port Huron Club and lettered in basketball and football in 1935, 1936, and 1937.  In 1935, as a junior in High School, the football team ended up with a respectable record of four wins and two ties and only two losses.

In 1935-36, the Port Huron High School basketball team, coached by Brick Fowler, accomplished an impressive season with 13 wins, 3 defeats, and a regional trophy.   The Fighting Five, Renaud, Cote, Dalrymple, Roberts and Cowley were led by Captain Dalrymple and Cowley received statewide honorable mention.   Cowley became captain of the  1936-37 red and whites, and starred at the guard position.

Cowley also quarterbacked the football team during the 1935-36 season, and the red and whites outscored their opponents 105 to 40.

Cowley’s career was cut short in January of 1937 by pneumonia.   Newspaper headlines proclaimed:  “Physician Tells Fowler There is Little Chance for Cowley Return”, “Possibility of Championship Season for Port Huron on Racks”, and “Cowley Returns to Lineup After Illness”.  After Cowley’s return, Port Huron won six out of its final seven games.

Cowley won the Clarence Phare Memorial Award which is given to the athlete who shows not only good sportsmanship and spirit, but also comes closest to living up to the high standards set by Phare during his High School career.

Following High School, Cowley played with the Star Oil Company which competed with boxer Joe Louis’ Brown Bombers.   The Oilers played against the World Champion Briggs Club and in Chicago’s famous Soldier Field.  Cowley continued his basketball career on local teams which often competed with top Sarnia, Windsor, and Detroit Motor City League teams.   Cowley continued playing ball until age 41 and managed several local teams.

Chuck Cowley is currently retired from the Chrysler Corporation and is a member of St. John’s Church.   Chuck has four children, Mrs. Robert (Mary Ann) Sheehy, Charles Cowley, Jr., Michael Cowley and Mrs. Dale (Christine) Bisnett.   He also has ten grandchildren.