Ohio State fans bleed scarlet during Beat Michigan Week, but apparently not as much as Michigan fans did in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines proved victorious in the Blood Battle for the second consecutive year by raising the most donations for the American Red Cross with 1,601 pints to the Buckeyes 1,449.
Not that OSU minded losing to Michigan in this case — the victor of the Blood Battle usually ends up being defeated in the football game.
“We want to donate as much as possible,” said Shawn Collier, a student committee chair for the Beat Michigan Week activities. “I wouldn’t mind if we lost the blood battle because of the superstition surrounding the game.”
This year’s Blood Battle marked the 17th year the two universities have participated in the two-week long competition.
“Giving blood was a great way to get involved in a great tradition, beating Michigan,” said Byron Roush, a sophomore in history.
The drive was held in the Ohio Union, as well as several residence halls across campus.
Brett Byers, a sophomore in math, noticed the signs for the blood drive posted around campus and decided to help out the American Red Cross in its efforts.
“I donated last year so I decided to stop over on my way back from class,” Byers said. “I have been donating since high school, but I waited to donate this year so I could participate in the Blood Battle. I wanted to help beat Michigan in any way I could.”
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 lbs. or more and be in relatively good health. The donation process takes approximately one hour and can be scheduled through the American Red Cross.
“The Beat Michigan Week events have been going on for years,” Collier said. “It has been a great cause for the Ohio State community. You really are giving someone the gift of life as the American Red Cross says, even if you never get to meet the people you help.”
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