Bonners Ferry High inducts four individuals, 1975 football team into inaugural Hall of Fame class

Introduction

BONNERS FERRY — Feeling a need to recognize the accolades and accomplishments of the many great athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters of Bonners Ferry High over the years, community members established the Badger Athletic Hall of Fame this past year and inducted four individuals and the 1975 Bonners Ferry High football team into its inaugural 2024 class.

Board members of the Badger Athletic Hall of Fame include Travis Hinthorn, Annie Swift, Danny Swift, Wendy Hawks, and Andy Rice. The 2025 class will be announced shortly, with this year's banquet set to be held Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Boundary County Fairgrounds' Exhibit Hall.

Ron Smith

Ron Smith’s journey began in Bowling Green, Kent., before serving in the U.S. Air Force, where a posting to Fairchild AFB in Airway Heights, Wash. led him to Bonners Ferry and the love of his life, Evelyn Hittle. After time in Kentucky and Virginia, the Smith's returned to Bonners Ferry in 1979 — a move that launched a decades-long legacy of public service and community involvement. Ron served six years as the Boundary County Sheriff, 16 years as a Boundary County Commissioner, and is now in his third term on the Bonners Ferry City Council. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he's coached numerous youth teams and has become a devoted supporter of Bonners Ferry High Athletics, earning the beloved title “Mr. Badger.” Ron and Evelyn’s family has grown to include three children, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren — proof of a life rooted in faith, family, and fierce community pride.

    Ron Smith

Bill Hayden

Born in Blackwell, Okla., Billy Rae Hayden grew up immersed in athletics, earning All-Conference and Second Team All-State honors in football before playing at the collegiate level. In 1969, he moved his young family to Boundary County, where he taught science and coached football and track & field — helping lead Bonners Ferry High to its first-ever state championship in any sport as a coach of the track & field team. He was also a coach of the 1975 Bonners Ferry High North Idaho state championship football team. Twice named a Coach of the Year in the state of Idaho, Bill played an instrumental role in building the district’s track & field and football facilities. He and his wife, Jaylyn, have been married 60 years, raised two daughters, and are proud grandparents to 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. A teacher, coach, 4-H leader, and farmer, Bill credits his success to the athletes, coaches, families, and community members who supported him throughout his career.

    Bill Hayden

Janis Tucker

A 1976 graduate of Bonners Ferry High, Janis excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track & field — holding the school record in the discus throw for nearly 30 years. She competed in collegiate volleyball and track & field at both Spokane Falls Community College and Idaho State University, earning a degree in physical education and health. Janis returned to Bonners Ferry to teach and coach, dedicating 37 years to Bonners Ferry High before transitioning into a mentor role for new teachers. Over the years, she's coached multiple sports, including 31 years as a varsity volleyball coach and 10 years as the junior varsity girls basketball coach. Janis and her husband, Jim, have raised three children and continue to cheer on the Badgers with pride.

    Janis Tucker

Tim Mercer

A standout multi-sport athlete at Bonners Ferry High, Tim left a lasting legacy in football, track & field, and boxing. He was a two-time state champion in the 100-yard dash — once setting a state record — and a key member of both the 1974 North Idaho state championship football team and 1975 state championship track & field team. A "Golden Gloves" boxing award recipient, Tim was named the North Idaho Athlete of the Year and Prep Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 1975. Known for his athleticism, kind heart, and dedication, Tim tragically passed away in a car accident just before his senior year. His jersey number, No. 30, was retired, and the Tim Mercer Award continues to honor his memory at Bonners Ferry High. Tim is remembered not just for his incredible talent but for the joy and sportsmanship he brought to every arena.

    Tim Mercer

1975 Badger Football Team

Under the leadership of Idaho Coach of the Year Doug Cox and assistant coaches Bill Hayden, Lee Davis, and Tom Wofford, the 1975 Bonners Ferry High football team powered through a historic season, finishing with a record of 9-0-1. With a dominant wishbone offense and a defense that shut out their first four opponents, the team captured its third straight Intermountain League title and clinched the 2A North Idaho State Championship with a 21-13 win over Grangeville in a game that was held at the University of Idaho's Kibbie Dome. Their season was capped off with a No. 1 ranking in the final Idaho Sportswriters Poll, earning them the title of “Mythical State Champions.” Dedicated to teammate Tim Mercer, the 1975 Bonners Ferry High football team left a lasting legacy of perseverance, unity, and excellence.