Kenadie CrowtherKenadie 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 November 5, 2022.

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.

The 2021 Adams State Spud Bowl Queen Priscila Zapata-Chacon crowns the 2022 Queen Kenadie Crowther during the 2022 Spud Bowl halftime show.

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.

Angelica Martinez, Del Norte HS; Kelly Gardea, Center HS; KeiAnna Duran, Monte Vista HS; Marissa Floriani; Sargent HS; Marissa Clark, Sierra Grande HS; Danarose Duran, Moffat HS; Carmelita Rael, Centenial HS; Kenadie Crowterh, Sanford HS; Rachael Fritz, Sangre de Cristo HS; Taylor Christensen, Centauri HS; Amela Van, Alamosa HS
The 2022 Adams State Spud Bowl candidates included, left to right, Angelica Martinez, Del Norte HS; Kelly Gardea, Center HS; KeiAnna Duran, Monte Vista HS; Marissa Floriani; Sargent HS; Marissa Clark, Sierra Grande HS; Danarose Duran, Moffat HS; Carmelita Rael, Centenial HS; Kenadie Crowterh, Sanford HS; Rachael Fritz, Sangre de Cristo HS; Taylor Christensen, Centauri HS; Amela Van, Alamosa 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.