A statue was unveiled for the first time in the City of Trees Thursday.
And, if you're headed to the Bronco stadium this weekend, you can't miss it.
Sitting in front of the Boise State Hall of Fame side of the stadium is a 9-foot statue of Lyle Smith paid in full by those who looked up to him most. He celebrated his 100th birthday in March.
"They're very good to me," Smith said. "They let the old man come back and wish them well."
The "Father of Boise State Football" is referring to BSU Head Coach Bryan Harsin.
The statue seemed to capture what Smith did best.
"He's in that moment when he has the intensity of a coach," said Ben Victor, the sculptor. "He's looking out on the field, he's got his play book and, of course, his Fedora hat."
Curt Apsey, the athletic director at BS said: "Before his own eyes in his hometown, he watches this place become something completely different."
President Bob Kustra added: "Football fans, season first opener coming here Saturday, you're focused on his legacy and what he means to the program. I'd look at it a lot broader than that."
After his winning streak and having a hand in shaping growth at the university, Smith says BSU stands up to its saying
"It's a privilege to be a Bronco and I find it to be a real privilege, (laughs)," Smith concluded. "Imagine all the folks that have had the opportunity to come into contact with it."
