The Menlo College Department of Athletics has announced the addition of Brendan Rooney as the new Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball Program. Rooney has spent the past three years at the helm of the Men’s Basketball Program at Cal Maritime, but now turns his focus to leading the Oaks. Rooney will be the 11th head coach since Menlo began competing as a four year institution in 1986.
“I’d like to thank President Steven Weiner, for taking the time to meet with me, as well as for his undying support of the Menlo College Athletic Program” Rooney said in an earlier statement. He went on to say “I’d also like to thank Athletic Director Keith Spataro for his leadership in this coaching search and look forward to his mentorship in the future, as well as the guidance and support of all of my fellow Menlo Coaches and Staff! Lastly, I’d like to thank Coach Aiona, Coach Montgomery, and Coach Fuji for the incredible culture that they’ve built around Menlo Basketball, recruiting a group of amazing young men that I’m extremely excited to coach!”
“I’m thrilled to have Brendan as our next Head Men’s Basketball Coach,” said Vice President for Athletics Keith Spataro. “Brendan’s vision and passion for the program were clear and his previous head coaching success speaks for itself. We’re excited to have him hit the ground running and build on the recent success of our men’s basketball program.”
As the Head Coach at Cal Maritime, Rooney amassed a solid record of 52-34, becoming the fastest Coach to reach 50 wins in program history, and the second winningest Coach All-Time. He coached nine All-CalPac Selectees, two Academic All-Americans, and one NAIA All-American.
“My family and I are forever grateful for the opportunities given to us at Cal Maritime.” Rooney remarked. “I was very fortunate to be around their program and to be given my first opportunity as a College Head Coach there.”
Prior to his time as Head Coach of the Keelhaulers, Rooney spent three seasons as the Scouting and Recruiting Coordinator, and three seasons as an Assistant Coach at Maritime. While serving as an Assistant, Maritime three times won the CalPac Conference Title.
When asked what drew him to Menlo, Rooney exclaimed, “From the outside, getting to compete against Menlo, there was always something palpable about the tight-knit community.” He went on to say, “I wanted to be a part of this community; a community that has provided an incredible amount of support that has allowed Menlo Athletics to be so successful in recent years.” After networking with Menlo alumni Rooney said, “I love the excitement around the program, and I’m looking forward to doing things the right way here, coaching success both on and off the court.”
Rooney knows a thing or two about coaching success on and off the court, as he has spent the past three seasons as Cal Maritime’s Champion of Character Liaison, overseeing the entire athletic department’s pursuit of the NAIA’s Five Core Values. He also coached 29 athletes who were honored as members of the Cal Maritime Dean’s List (GPA Between 3.25-3.75) and 16 athletes who were honored as members of the Cal Maritime President’s List (GPA Above 3.75).
Rooney culminated his statement today by saying, “I’m so excited to be at a university whose vision aligns with my personal philosophy and expectations of student athletes both on and off the court. I look forward to going into battle with this team day in and day out. I’m fired up to be an Oak!”
Rooney inherits an Oaks squad that is coming off of one of their best seasons in program history in 2020. Menlo finished up this past season with a 19-9 record, earning their first ever trip to the NAIA Division I National Tournament. Their 52 wins over the past three seasons are the most for any Menlo Men’s Basketball team since the legendary Bill Oates led the Oaks to 57 wins from 1989-92. Rooney and the Oaks will be set to get back to work in the Fall, looking to continue their hot streak into the 2020-21 campaign.
