BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — Boise State unveiled a new statue honoring the grandfather of Bronco football, Lyle Smith.
Smith, who turned 100 years old in March, is no stranger to Boise State Football. In his 20 years as head coach, he never had a losing season, won 13 conference titles, and the 1958 NJCAA National Championship.
“I get down here periodically and the folks her treat me so nice. It’s great to be a Bronco,” Smith said at the unveiling ceremony.
He was head coach of the Broncos from 1947 to 1967. KBOI 2News has exclusive video of Dick Eardley - who was once our news director - interviewing Lyle Smith back in the 1960s. (To watch the full archive, click the video under "More Media" to the left of this story.)
The statue was installed in front of the Allen Noble Hall of Fame and captures Smith in his signature pose—perched on the sideline, watching his team. It was sculpted by BSU professor and artist-in-residence, Ben Victor.
“He is such an institution here, and we think that he should live on forever here,” said Lenny Chow, a former Bronco lineman and member of the 1958 National Championship team. Chow and several other members of the 1958 team helped pay for the statue.
Coach Bryan Harsin spoke at the ceremony to honor Smith, who is attending the team’s first home game of the season on Saturday.
“I appreciate everything you have done and I can’t wait to have you out there this week against Washington State, back on the Blue in front of our fans here,” Harsin said.
Fans can get a look at the statue before the team’s home opener against Washington State this Saturday.
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