Bronco Nation says happy 100th birthday to ‘Godfather of Boise State football’

Lyle Smith’s name is on the blue turf at Albertsons Stadium at Boise State University for many reasons.

He’s an Idaho icon and living legend for his success on and off the field during a career that spanned more than three decades. He coached 186 football games for the Broncos, lost only 25, won a national championship, then supervised unprecedented growth as the school’s athletic director.

Smith, who still works out at Boise State, turns 100 Thursday and is being celebrated not only for winning games and shepherding the construction of new facilities, but for being a great mentor, friend and father. The word that comes up most often from those who know him well: “humble.”

Don’t miss the special coverage in Thursday’s Idaho Statesman and at IdahoStatesman.com

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 12:36 PM with the headline "Bronco Nation says happy 100th birthday to ‘Godfather of Boise State football’."