ALAMOSA — Ashley Dominguez-Gonzalez, a senior at Sanford High School, was crowned the 77th Spud Bowl Queen during halftime of the Adams State University Spud Bowl Football Game on Nov. 11.

The Spud Bowl tradition began in 1946, when the potato farmers in the Valley were asked to contribute sacks of spuds to the University, which, in turn, were converted into cash to supplement the athletic program. The tradition and spirit have continued, and Spud Bowl remains a highlight of each football season.

Each year, San Luis Valley high schools are asked to nominate a senior candidate for Spud Bowl. The candidates are interviewed by a panel of judges, and the winner is selected and announced at halftime of the football game. The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee and Adams State University Foundation award scholarships of $1,000 to each contestant to attend Adams State and $2,000 to the Spud Bowl Queen.

The 2023 Adams State Spud Bowl candidates included, Kacey Hillis, Alamosa High School; Delainey Christensen, Centauri High School; Rhylina Serna, Centennial High School; Kimberly Muro-Ornelas, Center High School; Destiny LeBlanc, Del Norte High School; Leona Hastey, Moffat HS; Isis Delgado-Cervantes, Monte Vista HS; Nova McConnaughhay, Mountain Valley HS; Dominguez-Gonzalez; Palma Enriquez, Sangre de Cristo High School; Annabelle Heineman; Sargent High School; and Alexia Gonzalez, Sierra Grande High School.

Judges for this year’s contest were Helen Smith and Cliff Shaw, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, and Maria Valdez, Adams State accounting technician II.