Oct 21, 2022Spuds and Scholarships highlight 36th Annual Spud Bowl
For over 35 years, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), in conjunction with over 50 local businesses, has celebrated the Central Wisconsin agriculture industry by raising awareness about its importance locally and funding scholarships for students from the area.
Over the years, more than $112,000 in scholarships has been awarded to UW-Stevens Point students who come from agriculture and farming backgrounds thanks to funds raised from the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry through the annual Spud Bowl event.
This year, the Goerke Field gates opened at noon on Saturday, October 15 with a Spud Hunt to find hidden “golden potatoes” that were traded in for prizes, including gift cards to local businesses.
Hamerski Farms donated over 500 potatoes and McCain Foods once again generously provided over 1,200 servings of french fries. They are baked and fried by Spud Bowl Committee volunteers right inside the stadium and served free to anyone who would like a locally grown potato. Chippewa Valley Bean also made up chili as a topping for the french fries and baked potatoes, and the chili was a big hit with Spud Bowl attendees.
Point Root Beer was donated by Point Brewery, so everyone attending the football game was offered baked potatoes, fries, and root beer free of charge!
Special thanks go out to Spud Bowl coordinator Ann Ninnemann, the UWSP women’s hockey coach, who was also recognized for being inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame this year! Also, special thanks to Cliff and Carole Gagas for baking all the potatoes, and Chet Biadasz who fries up all the french fries.
Unfortunately, the UW-Stevens Point Pointers were mashed by UW-Stout 55-0 in this year’s Spud Bowl game.
– Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association
Spud Bowl Committee members Wayne Solinsky, left, and Dale Bowe, right, serve french fries at the 36th Annual Spud Bowl. Photo: WPVGA
