Newly-led Summit Academy to play 5 of 6 top seeds from last year

By: George Guido
Monday, August 19, 2019 | 10:50 AM

Joe Marak might only be in his first year as head coach at Summit Academy, but it’s just like home to him.

“My father taught here and my uncle worked here,” Marak said. “I feel like I’ve been around here my whole life. It’s like a family tradition.”

Marek will be only the second head coach the academy has had since the school for court-adjudicated youth began sponsoring football in 1998. He replaces Steve Sherer who retired at the end of last season.

Also, athletic director and assistant coach John McCloud has retired.

Merak has an entirely-new staff of assistants and the roster — like in most years — has had a 100 percent turnover.

“I’d like to thank Mr. C (director Sam Costanzo), Steve Sherer and Mr. McCloud for all they’ve done for me,” said Marak, a graduate of Butler High School and Slippery Rock University.

Marak had been an offensive and defensive Iine coach for the Knights for the past six years.

The new coach plans to build the team around quarterback Cameer Curry, wide receivers Paul Hines and Raymond Roellnitz and two-way linemen Amir Morris and Markiy Williams. One of the defensive leaders will be middle linebacker Jamec Kizzie.

Summit went 0-10 last season, 0-6 in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference.

But at a place like Summit, victories aren’t always the ones recorded on the scoreboard. Many student-athletes there have never been part of a positive endeavor such as a sports team.

It’s the task of coaches and staff to create a path for the youngsters to become productive citizens.

“I’m a big believer in the football field being a place to learn good lessons that lead to a successful life,” Marak said. “We expect discipline and structure so you can succeed.”

Replacing McCloud as defensive coordinator will be Dave Baynes, the offensive coordinator will be Parrish Knight, handling the linemen will be Derek Mark, Teddy Orringer and Brady Kirkwood. Garrett Vulcano will coach the secondary.

Marak plans to employ a Basic 4-4 defense that will bounce back to a 4-3 in certain downs and distances. The Knights will run a spread offense.

“The challenge is working with kids from all kinds of areas,” Marak said. “Many are football players for the first time. We want it to be like family where you know we have each other’s backs.”

Marak will make his coaching debut Aug. 24 at Summit’s idyllic setting in the town of Herman against Western Beaver in a 12:30 encounter. The Knights will face a Golden Beavers team that also has a new coach — former Rochester and Penn State standout Derek Moye.

Summit again has a tough schedule. If Washington wins its first two games, the Little Prexies will go for the school’s 700th victory at Summit Academy on Sept. 7.

All told, Summit will face five of the top six seeds from last year’s WPIAL Class 2A playoff field — eventual champion Steel Valley, Shady Side Academy, Burgettstown, Mohawk and Washington.

But Marak is fine with the daunting slate.

“That’s why sports can be so big,” he said. “You want to be the best, you’ve got to play the best.”

Marak expects about 40 players out for the team.

Schedule

Coach: Joseph Marak

2018 record: 0-10, 0-6

All-time record: 44-148

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Western Beaver, 12:30

8.30, at Apollo-Ridge*, 7

9.7, Washington, 12:30

9.14, Burgettstown, 12:30