ANN ARBOR, Mich. – There's a battle raging between Michigan and Ohio State, but this rivalry isn't on the football field, it's about saving lives.
The blood battle between Michigan and Ohio State is a contest to see which school can donate the most pints of blood and much more. This all leads up to the Saturday showdown between the two teams on the gridiron later in the month.
"It's been around for 33 yards, and our overall record is 19-12-1," said Samantha Rea, one of the organizers of the blood battle. "So we actually have a better record than the football team does. We did win last year, so we are hoping to bring that trophy down to Columbus this year."
Be a Hero at the Big House is the largest blood drive at Michigan for the blood battle. It draws hundreds of people to Michigan Stadium at a crucial time.
"There is always a constant need for blood during the holiday season especially," said Jim Flickema, of Red Cross. "The middle of summer. People get busy. They get distracted."
The battle between Michigan and Ohio State isn't just about blood. It's also a competition over which school can sign up the most people for the organ and bone marrow registries.
Local 4's Will Jones has always been an organ donor, but now he's also on the bone marrow registry, which needs more minority donors. Patients are more likely to match someone from their own racial and ethnic background.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up for the registries and to give blood. Those minutes could provide someone with more time with their loved ones.
"It's a very great thing to do," said donor Erin Fitzpatrick. "There is always a blood shortage. This is what I can do to do my part."
"They give you cookies afterwards," said Robert Mayes, who was donating blood. "How hard can it be?"
If you couldn't give blood Sunday, you can still help Michigan win the battle. There are more drives scheduled.