MURFREESBORO, TN — The spirited rivalry between Middle Tennessee State University and Western Kentucky University once again took on lifesaving significance as MTSU emerged victorious in the 2025 “Bleed Blue, Beat WKU” Red Cross Blood Drive. With a final tally of MTSU’s 301 donations to WKU’s 211, the Blue Raiders secured the engraved trophy and reaffirmed their commitment to both competition and community service.

“I have picked up the trophy with MTSU’s 2025 Blood Battle Champion Engraving!!” announced Gene Baker, Senior Account Manager for Donor Resources at the American Red Cross Biomedical Services. The trophy, now proudly bearing MTSU’s name, symbolizes not just victory over a rival but the university’s dedication to saving lives.

The annual contest, often called the “100-mile battle” in reference to the distance between Murfreesboro and Bowling Green, has grown into a tradition that channels school spirit into lifesaving action. Each unit of blood collected has the potential to save lives, making the event a win for the entire community regardless of the scoreboard.

This year’s competition comes at a critical time for the American Red Cross. Blood donations have declined by nearly 40 percent since the early 2000s, and in January 2024 the organization declared its lowest donor numbers in two decades. The shortage worsened last summer when extreme weather and natural disasters forced the cancellation of more than 100 blood drives nationwide, leading to a 25 percent drop in the national blood inventory by July.

As of early 2025, the Red Cross continues to face a severe shortage, particularly of type O blood, which is vital for trauma and emergency care. Hospitals are using blood products faster than donations are replenished, and seasonal illnesses, weather disruptions, and lower donor turnout remain ongoing challenges.

Against this backdrop, the MTSU-WKU blood battle carries weight far beyond campus bragging rights. By rallying students, faculty, and alumni to donate, both universities are helping to ease the strain on hospitals and patients across the region. For MTSU, the engraved trophy is more than a symbol of victory is a reminder that competition can inspire compassion, and that school pride can translate into lifesaving action.

The Murfreesboro Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center at 501 Memorial Blvd. operates on a consistent weekly schedule for blood donations. The regular hours are:

• Monday: 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Appointments are recommended, and you can schedule one by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).