Cornell joined CircEsteem & The Chicago Youth Circus at the age of thirteen in search of excitement. He first took interest in tumbling and mini trampoline. In 2005, Cornell started to train on the German Wheel. Preparing for The World Championships in Wheel Gymnastics, Cornell practiced every day before and after school. After two years of training, he competed in Salzburg, Austria. There he placed 7th all around, 6th in spiral, and 2nd in vault. Winning four gold medals, Cornell has also shown success in national competitions. 

 

Upon graduating from High School in 2008, he started his career in German Wheel on ice, performing for Royal Caribbean Cruise line. Understanding the importance of education, later that year, he enrolled into Illinois State University. Along with earning a degree in elementary education, he was able to grow his circus skills though Illinois State's Gamma Phi Circus program. 

 

Since graduating, Cornell has been coaching circus acts and performing on and at various stages and arenas.