Brisa Castillo
Brisa Castillo

Brisa Castillo, a senior at Center High School, was crowned the 72nd Spud Bowl Queen during halftime of the Adams State University vs Dixie State football game on November 10.

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 to attend Adams State consisting of $1,000 to each contestant and $2,000 to the Spud Bowl Queen.

2018 Spud Bowl Queen Candidates
The 2018 Adams State Spud Bowl candidates included, left to right, seated, Brisa Castillo, Center High School; Zilah Montoya, Centennial High School; Hayley Crowther, Sanford High School; Zoe Midgett, Creede High School; Kaitlynn Martin, Centauri High School; standing, Alliyah Garcia, Sangre de Cristo High School; Brooke Paine, Sierra Grande High School; Brianna Martinez, Antonito High School; Gracie Burkhart, Sargent High School; and Trinady Gonzales, Monte Vista High School. Not pictured, Emma Gilmore, Alamosa High School, and Hannah Velasquez, Del Norte High School.

Judges for this year’s contest were Jason Tillman and Matt Seger, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, and Maria Valdez, Adams State accounting technician II.