The results are in! West Virginia University blood donors came from behind to topple the University of Pittsburgh in The Backyard Brawl Blood Donor Challenge between the two schools. The drive was held Monday (Nov. 18) in the Gold Ballroom of Lyon Tower.

During a 6 p.m. tally, Pitt was leading the competition with 76 units of blood; WVU had collected only 54.

But last-hour donations increased WVU ’s blood contribution to 113 pints overall with Pitt collecting 102 pints. While WVU can claim victory, the true winners are the patients who need the blood in order to live. The availability of blood is the difference between life and death, and
as a result of the blood challenge up to 645 lives were saved.

“When something this outstanding occurs, everyone is a winner,”said Rontina McCann, public relations coordinator for the competition.”A special thanks goes to the Mountaineer Maniacs, Towers Resident Assistants, the WVU Red Cross Club and all of the donors. We were excited to have over 40 first-time donors, which means the competition was a great incentive to donate.”

Organizers are planning next year’s event, including a trophy presentation before the WVU -Pitt football game at Mountaineer Field.