An All-State lineman for two years at La Salle Academy in Providence, R.I., Mike Cooney was an early starter on the varsity, installed at right tackle. He was a two-way performer on the line, and was dubbed as Iron Mike by the local press.
Cooney was credited as being a key blocker for Holy Cross, and also played on the defensive line of the 1953 team that was ranked number one in the country against the run.
He was cited by Coach Eddie Anderson as 'pound for pound, the best tackle in the country,' while his line coach Jim Harris was quoted as saying that Cooney was 'as good a tackle as I have ever seen.'
Cooney played on varsity teams which went 21-9 overall, winning 70 percent of their games against the cream of the crop of Eastern football teams. His efforts were recognized following his senior year when he was chosen second team All-East.
Also a standout on the track squad for Coach Bart Sullivan, Cooney was one of the top hammer throwers in Crusader history, breaking the old school record by seven feet.
In a 1953 dual meet against Boston College, Mike was the only collegian to ever defeat 1956 and 1960 Olympic gold medal winner Hal Connolly.
Cooney finished his track career with 20 first place finishes and one second place finish, as well as a third place finish at the IC4A Championship.
As a student, Cooney was secretary-treasurer of the Purple Key Honor Society and culminated his career as the winner of the Lawlor Medal at the 1954 commencement.
