Visitors are not uncommon for Lyle Smith, but on Monday, they came bearing a special gift.
Smith, the 100-year-old former football coach at Boise Junior College, got a new power chair at his apartment in the Hillcrest Assisted Living facility on the Boise Bench. Former players, fans and community members helped raise the $4,000 needed for the chair in a matter of days.
“Pretty nice, isn’t it?” Smith said. “I’ve got all kinds of plans for it. I can never thank everyone enough.”
Former players that Smith coached from 1946-67 or knew him as the athletic director from 1968-81 visit frequently.