Community welcomes Dom Rooney home

The Wautoma community came together Friday night, Oct. 9, to celebrate the return of senior football player Dominick (Dom) Rooney, whose medical emergency prompted an outpouring of support from families, schools and neighboring communities.
Rooney has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD) following a severe concussion sustained during the Hornets’ game against Waupun on Oct. 2.
That support was on full display Friday as students, staff and community members wore DomStrong T-shirts in recognition of Rooney’s return home. More than 400 shirts were sold through an effort led by Jess Nyhuis, owner of Final Cut Apparel & Decals in Wautoma.
Friday evening, Rooney was recognized during Senior Night festivities at Wautoma High School, where the Hornets hosted Adams-Friendship. The evening offered an opportunity for Rooney to be recognized alongside his fellow seniors and for the community to welcome him back.
The Hornets went on to defeat Adams-Friendship 18-14, but one of the evening’s most memorable moments came after the final whistle. Wautoma players brought the game ball to Rooney, presenting it to their teammate following the victory.

Community support extended well beyond the football field. The Wautoma Booster Club hosted a 50/50 raffle during Friday’s game to raise funds for the Rooney/Kozlowski family. Raffle winner Colleen Kasubaski donated her winnings back to the family, adding to the evening’s fundraising efforts. Combined with additional contributions, more than $2,500 was raised during the game.
The support has not been limited to Wautoma. Neighboring communities have also organized donations and contributed to efforts supporting Rooney and his family in the days following his medical emergency.
Rooney’s recovery will require frequent trips to Appleton and Milwaukee, along with twice-weekly therapy sessions in Waupaca. Those interested in providing financial support can contribute through an online fundraiser at https://www.supportnow.org/dominick-rooney.