Boise State University District in Ada County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Father of Bronco Football

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

1. Father of Bronco Football Marker

Inscription. During his tenure at Boise State from 1946-81, Lyle Smith coached football, baseball and basketball, and also served as athletic director. He became head coach of the Boise Junior College football team in 1947, and during his 20 years as head coach, BJC compiled a record of 156-25-6 and won the 1958 National Junior College Championship.

He retired from coaching following the 1967 season, but continued to lead the department as athletic director, transitioning the Broncos from a junior college power to a highly-successful NCAA Division I program.

Erected 2016.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.

Location. 43° 36.119′ N, 116° 11.815′ W. Marker is in Boise, Idaho, in Ada County. It is in the Boise State University District. It is on W Broncos Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boise ID 83706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Idaho’s Snake River Plain.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is

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in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bronco Stadium (a few steps from this marker); Bronco Gymnasium (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Engineering Complex (about 500 feet away); Christ Chapel (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Protestant Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crossing the River (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (approx. 0.2 miles away); Student Union (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boise.

Other markers no longer nearby. Airmail Service (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Boise State University (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

2. Father of Bronco Football Marker

Father of Bronco Football and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

3. Father of Bronco Football and Marker

Father of Bronco Football image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

4. Father of Bronco Football

Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.