Priscila Zapata-Chavez, a senior at Center High School, was crowned the 75th Spud Bowl Queen during halftime of the ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø vs. Fort Lewis College football game on November 6, 2021.
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.
Autumn Yocom, a 2020 Sargent High School graduate and current ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State student, also received recognition at halftime. Due to 2020 COVID restrictions Yocum’s crowning was not public.
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 ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø Foundation award scholarships of $1,000 to each contestant to attend ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State and $2,000 to the Spud Bowl Queen.
Judges for this year’s contest were Roger Mix and Matt Seger, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, and Maria Valdez, ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State accounting technician II.
