UTM won the 12th annual Blood Battle against Murray State. The blood battle was held Tuesday, Sept. 28, and Wednesday, Sept. 29. UTM collected 336 units of usable blood as compared to Murray State’s 220 units.

The Student Athletic Advisory Council sponsored the battle. The SAAC is made up of two athletes from each different sport on campus. The SAAC coordinated the event as well as doing promotions and pledge drives.

Danelle Fabianich, the business manager for intercollegiate athletics, said, “I am very, very proud of our kids, and all the effort that they put into the event.”

UTM’s total this year was the second highest in school history. The numbers are based on usable pints of blood.

“I was extremely impressed with not only the campus participation but with the community’s help as well,” Fabianich said.

The blood battle started in 1993, and since then UTM has only lost two times. The last time UTM lost was in 2002.

The blood is collected by Lifeline Blood Services. The total was one of the highest in the history of the battle.

“The bottom line is that 556 people won; although it is nice to have the trophy, it feels even better to know that this blood could save so many lives,” Fabianich said.

For more information on when to donate, log on to www.lifelinebloodserv.org/.