NY Post Article

MCKENNA TAKES OVER BROOKLYN TECH
NY POST
By MARC RAIMONDI
Posted: 3:41 am
August 31, 2009

Brooklyn Tech has one of the most storied football programs in PSAL history, and when Kyle McKenna puts on the headset in Week 1 against Midwood he'll be only the fourth coach in Engineers history.

"It's kind of like the Pittsburgh Steelers," McKenna said. "At Brooklyn Tech, you're stepping into a lot of tradition and you have to be respectful of it. There's a lot of pride in the institution and the athletic department."

Adam Cirillo was the program's architect, guiding Brooklyn Tech to two city championships in 30 years on the sidelines. He gave way to Joe Cuzzocrea, who spent more than 20 years at the helm, and McKenna is taking over for Jim DiBenedetto, who became head coach in 1987.

DiBenedetto decided to retire in February due to health problems and he was instrumental in bringing in McKenna, the offensive coordinator at Grand Street Campus for seven years.

"I think he's going to do a sensational job," DiBenedetto said. "Brooklyn Tech is a different kind of school. It has the smartest kids in New York City. It's a different place to coach. Every kid is going to college."

DiBenedetto amassed 125 wins, 10 playoff appearances, two division titles and two trips to the semifinals in his time at Brooklyn Tech. McKenna said those are difficult shoes to fill, but it's a process made easier because of DiBenedetto's support.

"The transition has been very good," McKenna said. "He's been very helpful with me coming in. Jim is a friend."

The new coach also has the benefit of a senior-laden group coming back. Brooklyn Tech has 22 players going into their final high-school season. Last year, the Engineers went 3-6 and fell to Erasmus Hall in the second-tier, Bowl Division semifinals.

"I think the experience factor is going to help us a lot," McKenna said. "They're very sharp. They're students of the game and excellent students in the classroom."

He said one of the goals is to get some of his players into Ivy League schools for next year. Some of his best returning players could make Brooklyn Tech a playoff contender. Running back Denzel McLarty, a 5-foot-11, 230-pound load to bring down, is the fourth best returning rusher in the PSAL (639 yards), and quarterback Hisham Dola returns.

Dola's main target figures to be a big one: 6-foot-4 wide receiver James Brown, who doubles as the team's star safety. Junior Mike Plonski (5-11, 230) is Brooklyn Tech's center and a defensive end. He'll get support from Delroy Nichols at the other end position.

"He's got a nice team coming back," DiBenedetto said.

McKenna agrees with his predecessor.

"I think," he said, "we have a lot of potential."