California State University Maritime Academy Athletics Department has removed the interim tag from coach Brendan Rooney, making him the 12th head coach in the program’s history.
“I am pleased to announce the hiring of Brendan Rooney as the full-time Head Coach of the Cal Maritime Men’s Basketball team,” Athletic Director Marv Christopher said. “Brendan Rooney has taken the baton from his brother Bryan, and this hire will provide consistency for his student athletes. We will continue the winning culture we have with our men’s basketball program, and expect to compete at a high level”
Brendan was instrumental in the recruiting of players as an assistant. So far this season, he has led the Keelhaulers to another winning record (16-10, 7-5 Cal Pac), and they are again in position to make the Cal Pac Conference Tournament.
“I want to thank President Thomas Cropper, Vice President Stephen Kreta, and Athletic Director Marv Christopher for the opportunity,” Rooney said. “This is a special university. It’s been special to my family for quite a long time. To have this opportunity for the school to remain part of my family and to be at the helm of this program going forward is something I’m extremely excited and grateful for.”
In his time as an assistant under his brother Bryan, he was the head of opponent scouting, lead recruiter of high school players, and head of the strength and conditioning program. The Keelhaulers won three-straight conference championships, made an NAIA D-II Sweet 16 appearance, and made the NAIA Top-25 in all three seasons he was an assistant.
“For the program, this means not a lot changes as far as the family atmosphere here and the type of high-character individuals we’ll recruit,” Rooney said. “We pride ourselves on that, and hopefully it will continue the success we have in the classroom and on the basketball court.”
Brendan had served as Interim Head Coach after his brother Bryan moved up to Cal State East Bay. Before coming to Cal Maritime, Rooney was the team captain of the St. Mary’s of Stockton High School Basketball team in his senior year, a CIF Northern California champion in his junior year, and a two-time All-TCAL football player.
He attained a Bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from the University of the Pacific in 2011, and became a Doctor of Sports Therapy in 2013. He also worked with the University of the Pacific Women’s Basketball Program from 2009-13.
The Keelhaulers compete in California Pacific Athletic Conference, and play their home games at the Physical Education and Aquatics Center on the Campus of the Cal State Maritime Academy in Vallejo, Calif.
The Men’s Basketball Team has won six straight Cal Pac Conference Regular Season Championships, and appeared in five straight NAIA D-II National Tournaments.
