[5] He won multiple state titles in cross country and track, and he recorded personal bests of 1:53.56 for 800 m, 4:11.40 for one mile, and 9:20.86 for 3200 m.[6] During his first two years of college at Brigham Young University, Rooks did not participate in athletics due to his time spent in Kampala, Uganda as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[9] In June 2023, Rooks won the 2023 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships title in the 3000 m steeplechase, at the event held in Austin, Texas.

[11] Competing at the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Eugene, Oregon, Rooks finished first in the final of the 3000 m steeplechase.

During the final jump on the back straightaway, world record holder Lamecha Girma fell, causing several other athletes to stumble.

However, Rooks kicked, and he edged Kibiwot at the finish line to earn the silver medal while improving his personal best by nine seconds.