Cat-Griz Blood Battle brings in donors across Montana as Brawl of the Wild approaches

Missoula, Mont. – The Cat-Griz Blood Battle has been going on for 20 years now, where both UM and MSU compete against one another and see who can donate the most blood. Along with the rivalry aspect, the blood drive focuses on helping patients in need during the holiday season and is put on by the Red Cross.  

The blood drive is the latest edition of rivalry competitions between both schools this week and you can still give blood through the Red Cross currently, the final numbers and the winner of the blood battle should be revealed later this week. As of now, Montana State is in the lead. However, participation has declined.   

Ever since the pandemic, the amount of people giving blood for this drive has decreased. Alex Mckinley, an account manager at the American Red Cross, encourages people to donate especially when the rivalry is involved.  

“So, I think in the state of Montana, we’re divided. You’re either a Bobcat fan or a Griz fan and it just helps get people out to participate and beat the Bobcats at something else, besides the football game. So, I think it gets everyone involved, gets the team spirit up and helps people who are in need this holiday season. So, I think it’s just a friendly competition between the universities to help people,“ said Mckinley.  

One of the goals within the Red Cross in targeting college students is to get them to donate blood at a young age. If they begin now, they could be a donor for life. Mckinley said that they do see those same people come back and donate at this time of year when Brawl of the Wild is right around the corner. The passion of some fans won’t be stopped, and it can’t be questioned when it’s a good cause.  

The Red Cross is looking for donors this time of year, especially with the holiday season around the corner. During the Cat-Griz Blood Battle, the cost of donating is free.