ALAMOSA – Jamie Damewood, a senior at Sangre de Cristo High School, was crowned the 78th Spud Bowl Queen during halftime of the Adams State University Spud Bowl Football Game on Nov. 16.  

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. 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 2024 Adams State Spud Bowl candidates included, Gabriela Castillo, Alamosa HS; Morena-Angel Romero, Centauri HS; Adriana Vigil-Gardea, Centennial HS; Ahyari Fimbres Navarro, Center HS; Sierra White, Del Norte HS; Ashlynn Whillhite, Moffat HS; Allessah Archuleta, Monte Vista HS; Madison Arnold, Mountain Valley HS; Ava Hansen, Sanford HS; Jamie Damewood, Sangre de Cristo HS; Becca Stambaugh, Sargent HS; and Ahlea Garcia, Sierra Grande HS. 

Judges for this year’s contest were Helen Smith and Cliff Shaw, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, and Maria Valdez, Adams State accounting technician II.