The 1960s started out with Brooklyn Tech’s football teams winning 3 straight city championships with undefeated seasons from 1960-1962. During the middle of the decade, though competitive, the teams quest for additional championships proved elusive. This would all change with the 1967 squad. Under the leadership of their taskmaster and coach Adam Cirillo and with inspiration from the team’s co-captains Dave Florendo, Jim Gaynor, Murray Glazer and Mike Wojcuzk, the 1967 team went undefeated in league play and were crowned Brooklyn Champs.

The offense averaged over 23 points per game and was led by quarterback John Daurio who was adept at both running and passing the ball. The receiving corps was led by Steve Merz who was a favorite target of Daurio’s. When the Engineers ran the ball they handed it off to 1st team all-city running back Dave Florendo and his outstanding partner in the backfield Winston Nosworthy. They ran behind a powerful offensive line anchored by all star center Joe Bruno.

The defensive unit epitomized the word “stingy “ as they allowed the opposing teams an average of 8 points per game. They were led into battle by their hard hitting middle linebacker Bill Haflich and defense back Art DiBenedetto.

When asked about their success on the field players on the team said it was their dedication to achieving the high standards set by coach Cirillo. It was their drive for perfection that made them better players but even more importantly made the bond between teammates that much stronger. As with so many of Tech’s teams through the years that bond becomes even stronger as time passes. The Brooklyn Tech Football Hall of Fame is proud and grateful to have many of the 1967 teammates in attendance today.