WKU is competing with Middle Tennessee State University to see who can get the most people to donate blood to Red Cross on Monday, Nov. 13, through Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The winner will be announced during halftime at the upcoming WKU vs MTSU football game taking place at WKU on Friday, Nov. 17.

Chris Massaro, Director of Athletics at MTSU, made the original challenge that became an annual event. 

“The purpose of the blood drive was to showcase a great rivalry, where literally everyone in the community benefits,” Massaro said. “I am so proud of the efforts by many hard working people at WKU and MTSU, and that the blood drive has flourished over the years.”

According to Ray Wiley, Associate Director of Campus Activities at MTSU, the blood drive competition has been taking place since 2010. MTSU currently has a 4-3 lead. WKU was the winner last year, so 2017 is a chance for WKU to even the scores.

“I think we can all agree that there is never really a loser because of how important it is to give this life saving blood back to others,” said Wiley.

The competition winner will be chosen based on how many people donate, not how many units of blood are collected. WKU students can donate on the blue courts at the Preston Center. Appointments are encouraged but not required. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and search “wkuvsmtsu”.

Reporter Katie Daniels can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @authorkatielynn.