'Battle for blood' against Purdue University begins

The football rivalry between IU and Purdue might have begun with the introduction of the Old Oaken Bucket in 1925, but a more recent tradition between the schools has created a rivalry that truly runs in the veins of fans.\nToday marks the beginning of the 10th annual IU vs. Purdue Blood Donor Challenge, a friendly contest between the rival schools that gives Indiana residents a chance to give back to their communities by donating blood.\nThis year's challenge has 25 participating blood donor centers across the state where participants can give their donation in the name of either school. Some of the locations include Bloomington, Carmel, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette, South Bend and Terre Haute, according to a press release. There will be several mobile donation centers going through both campuses as well, said Bridget E. Sutton, programs director for the IU Alumni Association.\nAccording to the IU Alumni Association's Web site, more than 32,000 donors have participated in the blood drive since the annual donor challenge began in 1997. Last year's contest had a record 7,669 participants, with IU taking the crown. Purdue currently leads the challenge 6-3.\nThe Blood Donor Challenge began in 1997 in Indianapolis when the Central Indiana chapter of the IU Alumni Association and the Purdue Alumni Association teamed up with the Indiana Blood Center for a competitive blood drive, Sutton said. The challenge started off small but has grown little by little each year and now covers the entire state, she said.\nJane Hoeppner, wife of IU football coach Terry Hoeppner, and Arnette Tiller, wife of Purdue coach Joe Tiller, will act as honorary chairwomen for the 2006 Blood Donor Challenge.\nSutton said the Blood Donor Challenge is a great program because it saves lives and encourages everyone to participate by giving blood. \n"It is a simple way to really give back," she said. "One donation can save up to three people's lives." \nThe challenge starts today and will last through Nov. 10. The winning school will be recognized Nov. 18 at the Old Oaken Bucket football game in West Lafayette. \nFor more information on the challenge and to find the nearest participating blood donor center, visit www.alumni.indiana.edu/events/challenge.