THE PERFECT Generations of the Irish family have suited up for the SHS Bulldogs - By Patty Hutchens -
F
amily traditions. They are unique to each and every one of us. For many, we may instantly turn our thoughts to the holidays or family gatherings when we think of the most cherished traditions. But for the family of Rusty and Melissa Irish, Sandpoint football is one of the most treasured traditions of all. While current football fans are sure to be familiar with Sandpoint Bulldog senior Levi Irish, he is not the first one in his family to take the field for our beloved bulldogs. His father, Rusty Irish, played all four years that he attended Sandpoint High school, from 1991 to 1994, before graduating in 1995. And like his son, he played running back. “I originally began playing as a lineman, but the coach saw potential in me and asked if I wanted to try the running back position,” said Rusty. “I gave it a shot, and that’s the position I played for the rest of my high school career.” And like his son Levi, Rusty can attest to what it is like to play on the same football field as one’s father. Levi’s grandfather, Cliff Irish, also played football for Sandpoint High School his senior year in 1966. “My older brothers Kirk, Mark, and Bruce Quillin played football at SHS as well,” shared Rusty of the family’s involvement with Bulldog football.
Rusty said that during his time at Sandpoint High School, they went through a few different coaches. But he was able to end his high school career much like his son Levi started. “I was fortunate enough to get to play for Coach Puailoa my senior year,” said Rusty. “It was his first year as head coach at SHS.” Reflecting on those years as a bulldog, Rusty shares that there are many great memories. But if he had to pick one that stood out, it would be when his friend, Willie Love, told him on the sideline of the Lake City game his senior year that Rusty had just broke the school rushing record. It’s a story Levi loves. “One of my favorite stories about my dad’s playing days is when he broke the school record by rushing 279 yards on 29 carries for four touchdowns against Lake City his senior year,” shares Levi proudly. Rusty began coaching Levi when Levi was in the fourth grade and playing flag football. He continued to coach his talented son through junior tackle and all the way through eighth grade. Now, Rusty watches the home games from what he calls his excellent “sideline seat” as part of the chain gang at home games, a crew he has served on since 1997.