Roger Mix, representing the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, places the 2017 Spud Bowl Queen sash on Malyka Medina, Center High School, at halftime during the Adams State vs School of Mines football game on November 4.
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 Queen. The candidates are interviewed during the morning 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 award scholarships consisting of $1000 to Adams State to each contestant and $2000 to Adams State to the Spud Bowl Queen.
Judges for this year’s contest were Roger Mix and Matt Seger, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, and Tammy Lopez, Adams State University executive director of the ASU Foundation.
The 2017 Adams State Spud Bowl candidates included, left to right, seated, Malyka Medina, Center High School; Caitlyn Paine, Sanford High School; Caroline Van Berkum, Centauri High School; Joslyn Garcia, Antonito High School; and Alana Hackett, Alamosa High School; standing, left to right, Jessica Gamboa, Centennial High School; Kadee Crowther, Sargent High School; Nina Vigil, Sierra Grande High School; Lesli Lopez Gonzalez, Monte Vista High School; and Ila Jolly, Del Norte High School.
