MTSU tops WKU Hilltoppers, retains challenge trophy in annual ‘Bleed Blue’ blood drive

Middle Tennessee State University retained the challenge trophy to top Conference USA rival Western Kentucky University by nearly 90 units of donated blood for the annual “Bleed Blue to Beat WKU” blood drive, formerly “100 Miles of Hope,” held Oct. 27-29 at each respective school. Red Cross representatives and board members and MTSU staff present for the presentation of the trophy are, from left, MTSU mascot Lightning, board member, alumna and Dean Emeritus Gloria Bonner; John Mitchell, Heart of Tennessee Red Cross executive director; Justin Reed, director MT Unions; Diane Turnham, MTSU deputy athletic director; Gene Baker, senior account manager of Donor Services for Red Cross of Tennessee; Chris Massaro, MTSU athletic director; board member Kevin Fehr, Amada Senior Care; board member Josh Stone, director of Campus Recreation; board member Roy Boyd with son, Adam Boyd; and Red Cross mascot Buddy Blood Drop. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Totals are in, and Middle Tennessee State University has retained bragging rights to the challenge trophy during the “Bleed Blue to Beat WKU” blood drive.

Middle Tennessee State University staff member Phyllis Pugh gets her blood drawn by Red Cross phlebotomist Ileana Rodriguez during the 2025 “Bleed Blue to Beat WKU” blood drive held Oct. 27-29 in the Campus Recreation gymnasium on campus. This year, MTSU collected 301 units of blood, 90 more than Conference USA rivals Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Gene Baker, American Red Cross senior account manager for donor resources — Gene Baker

Held annually ahead of the football season rivalry between the Blue Raiders and Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers, the blood drive is a friendly competition to see which campus community can rally the most lifesaving donations.

“Because this is a competition between MTSU and WKU, we have the ability to collect hundreds of units of blood, potentially saving over 1,500 lives,” said Gene Baker, senior account manager of Donor Services for the American Red Cross of Tennessee. “This is a very important blood drive because we can cover a lot of hospital commitments in one large event.”

During the three-day effort that took place Oct. 27-29 in the Campus Recreation gymnasium, MTSU collected 301 units — close to 100 more than WKU’s 211 units of lifesaving blood — with over 150 first-time donors participating.

Josh Stone, associate director of recreation programs, MTSU Campus Recreation — Josh Stone

This marks the 10th win for MTSU since the competition began in 2010.

“It is always an honor to have the opportunity to work together with the Red Cross and MTSU Athletics to truly impact lives,” said Josh Stone, director of Campus Recreation and blood drive committee member. “It is amazing how many of our students, faculty, and staff show up to participate, and it also speaks volumes to the true giving spirit of the MTSU community.

“The icing on the cake is that we get to take home a trophy that represents this.”

And regardless of who comes out on top of the competition, “everyone’s a winner with this blood drive.”

“The Red Cross is grateful for the effort each university puts into this event,” Baker said. “Thank you to the entire MTSU community for your devotion and selfless act of service for donating blood at this year’s ‘Bleed Blue to Beat WKU’ blood drive. It truly made a difference in the lives of others.”

Although the “Bleed Blue” event is highly publicized, Baker reminds the MTSU community that there are close to 20 smaller blood drives that take place across campus throughout the year.

For those who weren’t able to participate in this year’s drive but would like to donate, the American Red Cross is constantly in need of donations. Visit redcross.org for more information about donating.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)