Rooney was named a CoSIDA first-team Academic All-American as a senior in 2003. A three-time Academic All-Ivy pick, he served as team captain in his final season and wa sa three-year starter on the defensive line. Rooney led Cornell in sacks (4.0) and tackles for loss while ranking second in tackles among defensive linemen (29) as a senior. He was a member of the 2002 AFCA Good Works Team, headed up the Big Red Readers program and served as vice-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). He was also a member of the Red Key Athletic Honorary Society, Sigma Nu fraternity, the Fellowship for Christian Athletes (FCA) and served as a Big Brother to a high school student in the local community.
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