Summit Academy building team chemistry amid annual roster turnover

By: Brennan Valladares
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 6:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Anthony Becoate is no stranger to roster turnover entering his fourth season at Summit Academy.

This constant reshuffling has become routine for the private, residential school for at-risk young men in Butler that must reconstruct its roster before every season.

“The biggest challenge every year is the roster turnover and building team chemistry,” Becoate said. “A lot of our students discharge from our program once they complete the program. The time they are with us usually ranges anywhere from six to nine months — sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. … Some kids arrive earlier in the year and discharge at the beginning of the season. We may start out with 35-plus kids and end the year with 19-20 kids.”

Despite the yearly changes, Becoate notes that, like last year, he has roughly eight to 10 players with prior playing experience. Among them are three who have played with the Knights within the last two years, including 2024 team-leading rusher Demetrius Crosby. The halfback ran for 192 yards and two touchdowns last season. According to Becoate, Crosby joins a list of players who have stood out in training camp.

“We have a handful of guys who have looked good so far,” Becoate said.

“Syamir Newkirk, Demetris Crosby, Danarii Mickel, Aveair Harrison and Brayden Condon all should have an impact for our team on both sides of the ball. They are very athletic and have an understanding of the game. I’m hoping to mold them into great young men and football players.”

Newkirk, who previously attended Truman High School, is the first quarterback Becoate has coached at Summit Academy who brings previous high school experience, something that should bring balance to the Knights’ offensive attack.

“This is the best QB situation I’ve had heading into my fourth year at Summit Academy,” Becoate said.

“… (Newkirk) has a really strong arm and understands how to read defenses’ coverages. In the past, I’ve had to put my best athlete at quarterback or whoever was most capable of retaining the plays.”

Now, players like Crosby and Alonzo Washington can fill in at various skill positions, such as running back and wide receiver, and serve as backups under center.

While Newkirk and Crosby will headline the skill positions for the Knights — – an area Becoate believes will be a team strength — he also sees a need for growth on the front line of both sides of the ball. Still, Becoate expects his players to compete and have fun.

“Our expectations every year are to put our best foot forward as coaches and players,” he said. “We want the kids to have a fun experience with us and learn how to compete. I think we will be competitive this year and may surprise some people.”

Summit Academy

Coach: Anthony Becoate

2024 record: 1-8, 0-6 in Class A Big 7 Conference

All-time record: 47-194-0

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 at Frazier, 7

8.29 at New Brighton, 7

9.6 Freedom, 12:30

9.13 South Side*, 12:30

9.19 at Serra Catholic, 7

9.27 Rochester*, 12:30

10.3 at Laurel*, 7

10.10 at Northgate*, 7

10.18 Neshannock*, 12:30

10.25 Shenango*, 12:30

* Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Jason Applewhite

23-44, 353 yards, three TDs

Rushing: Demetrius Crosby

32-192 yards, two TDs

Receiving: Yimeir McCormick

12-171 yards, two TDs

FUN FACTS

• Summit Academy ended a 17-game losing streak last year after defeating Frazier, 20-14.

• The Knights will open Big 7 play against South Side on Sept. 13.

• Summit Academy’s mission is to provide a transformative environment and an unwavering support system that allows its students to redirect their lives and their futures through academics, substance abuse treatment, mental health therapy, counseling, trades training, community service, arts and athletics.

Tags: Summit Academy