Augustana University Athletics

Fletcher Cowley, a 1947 graduate of Augustana College, was a native of Sioux Falls. The athletic career he launched in 1941 was interrupted by World War II, so it is impossible to know how far he would have gone. Still, even in an abbreviated tenure on the track team, Cowley made an outstanding contribution to his team.

In 1941, in his inaugural appearance at Wayne Relays, Cowley anchored the 440 yard relay team to a third place finish. He also ran on the medley and in the 880 yard relay teams, as well as in the 100 yard dash. Later that same year, in a triangular meet with SDSU and Sioux Falls College, Cowley was the high point man, placing first in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, and running the first leg on the winning 880 yard relay team.

Rarely would a track meet end without "Fletch" Cowley on the scoreboard – near the top, if not on top. Among his most memorable accomplishments was his performance at the Dakota Relays in 1942. He won the 100 yard dash and anchored the 440 and 880 yard relay teams to victory. It was at this meet that Cowley ran a 100 yard dash in ten seconds flat.

Some weeks later, Cowley and company defeated SDSU in a dual as he won the 100 yard dash and placed second in the 220. The NCC title was to be claimed by Cowley's crew, too, as he took second place in the 100 yard dash and first in the 220, running 22.1.

That was to be the highlight of Fletcher Cowley's career, as he was called away to serve in the armed forces from 1943 to 1945.  He returned to Augustana, but not to the cinders. He was graduated in 1947.