Grandpa Smith named "Volunteer of the Year"

At the annual BYU Athletic Awards Grandpa Smith was named athletic volunteer of the year. The following was what appeared in the program for the event.

Al Smith

With a great love of BYU Athletics, stemming from his time at BYU as a student, Al Smith has spent the last four years as a BYU volunteer. His hard work and friendly personality have touched many lives. Al is being honored as this year's volunteer of the year.

After beginning as a volunteer at Legacy Hall, Al is entering his 4th year as the Football Practice Security Coordinator. His responsibilites include the coordination of more than 30 volunteers who staff the daaily football practices.

Al met his wife, Shonnie, while working toward his bachelor's degree in Sociology at BYU. The two have been married 51 years and have three sons, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren .

The long-time Cougar Club member moved to California after their time at BYU, but their passion for BYU athletics stayed with them. They were actively involved with their communtiy, including Al making sure coverage of BYU athletic events were available at the local stake center.

Al spent 31 years working in corrections as a probation and parole officer. Upon retirement. he and his wife decided to move back to Utah to be close to BYU.

As a volunteer, Al enjoys spending time getting to know people involved in BYU Athletics. He especially enjoys spending his time in a way that benefits others.

Al is especially grateful to all of the security volunteers he has worked with at BYU, who give so willingly of their time.

They even got grandpa into a tux for the event!