ALAMOSA — Kenadie Crowther, a senior at Sanford High School, was crowned the 76th Spud Bowl Queen during halftime of the Adams State University Spud Bowl Football Game on Nov. 5.

The Spud Bowl tradition began in 1946, when the potato farmers in the San Luis 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 2022 Adams State Spud Bowl candidates included Amela Van, Alamosa HS; Taylor Christensen, Centauri HS; Carmelita Rael, Centennial HS; Kelly Gardea, Center HS; Angelica Martinez, Del Norte HS; Danarose Duran, Moffat HS; KeiAnna Duran, Monte Vista HS; Kenadie Crowther, Sanford HS; Rachael Fritz, Sangre de Cristo HS; Marissa Floriani; Sargent HS; and Marissa Clark, Sierra Grande HS.

Judges for this year’s contest were Roger Mix and Tyler Mitchell, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, and Maria Valdez, Adams State accounting technician II.