Andrew Irwin, the owner of Courtyard Cuts at 657 E State St. inside Courtyard Square, is no stranger to Salem High School’s football program as a 2017 alum. Irwin also knows the level of skill, discipline and effort it takes for a team to reach the playoffs, having been a member of the Quakers during their 2015 playoff run. Ten years later Irwin returned to the high school after practice Thursday to offer free haircuts to any member of the team who wanted one ahead of their opening round playoff game against the Northwest High School Indians tonight at 7 p.m. 

“It’s been exactly 10 years now since my team went to the playoffs, and I’m just happy to be in a position to give back to the program,” said Irwin. 

Irwin said that he had already known some of the players on the team and that they had passed the idea on to Coach Ron Johnson, who Irwin said had strong relationships with all his players — past and present — and worked with him to coordinate the haircuts. Johnson said that the team was fortunate to have a community and former members who are so passionate and want to support them. 

“Andrew was a great player here on a couple of our playoff teams and wanted to give back. We really appreciate him doing this and are happy to have him here in Salem and to come back to our locker room. He had a lot of great experiences from his time in the program to share with the team and I think it’s been great for everyone,” said Johnson. 

Shown from left are Andrew Irwin and Josh Mayhue. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Johnson said that opportunities for the team to spend time together and share communal experiences were great for the team, and that opportunities for a past team member to share their experiences with them are always special. He also said that he feels confident in the team’s abilities ahead of tonight’s game.  

“I feel really good, really confident. The guys had a great practice and have been really attentive and focused on the things they need to be doing. It’s going to be great,” said Johnson. 

The team was equally enthused about tonight’s game when asked if they were excited, giving an emphatic “yes” all at once.