Buckeyes seek to keep trophy from Michigan in 35th annual Blood Battle

Annual competition between schools generates thousands of blood donations

Michigan wins 35th Blood Battle by 8 donations

FINAL SCORE:

(updated 11-25-2016)

- Ohio State = 2,355

- Michigan = 2,363

View details on the history of Blood Battle HERE.

Tickets Winner:

One donor was drawn to win two tickets to the OSU vs. Michigan game on Nov. 26. The winner is:

Anthony Mills of Hilliard, donated Nov. 9 at Cardinal Health. This was his 10th donation.

The University of Michigan has won the 2016 Blood Battle against The Ohio State University, taking back the trophy after losing to Ohio State for the past two years. In the 35 years of the battle, Michigan has won 20 times, Ohio State has won 14 times, and one year resulted in a tie.

Michigan overcame the Buckeyes by a margin of only 8 donations in this annual competition to see who can bring in the most blood donations in the weeks leading up to the big game between the two football archrivals. The final score left OSU with 2,355 while Michigan had 2,363 . Each year, the winner is announced in the stadium and the trophy presented on the field to the winning school during the anticipated game.

Blood Battle 2016:

For more than 30 years strong, students and fans of The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan have taken their battle off the field to help save lives through their annual Blood Battle. This year is no exception as Ohio State fans seek to keep the trophy.

From November 1 through 23, the archrivals will partner with the American Red Cross to see which university’s supporters can bring in the most blood donations. Blood Battle has highlighted the first weeks of November leading up to the day the schools face off on the football field every year since 1981.

“Ohio State has won the Blood Battle the last two years, regaining the traveling trophy after Michigan won the year before,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the American Red Cross. “We are eager to keep the trophy from Michigan again this year.” So far Ohio State has won 14 Blood Battles, and Michigan has won 19, with one year resulting in a tie.

Blood Battle drives generate thousands of blood donations for the American Red Cross every year.

“The competition really motivates fans to donate blood at a key time,” Wilson said. “It provides an important boost for the blood supply as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. During the busy holiday season it’s important not to forget the constant need for blood donors.”

Extra incentive to give : Those who come to donate during Blood Battle can enter to win a pair of tickets to the Ohio State vs. Michigan game on Nov. 26 in Columbus.

Another way to give : In addition to coming to give blood or volunteering time, you can participate in the 2016 competition by making a monetary donation to the American Red Cross in honor of the school of your choice at https://www.crowdrise.com/OhioStatevsMIBloodBattle.

“Of course, the real winners of Blood Battle are always the patients who rely on potentially lifesaving blood transfusions to help them through injury and illness,” Wilson said.

Results of this year’s Blood Battle will be announced at Ohio State during the Nov. 26 game in Columbus. Once the Battle begins, the score will be available online at redcrossblood.org/centralohio. To find a blood drive convenient for you, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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