OU falling behind Oklahoma State in Bedlam Blood drive

OU still is looking for a little Sooner magic to make up the deficit in the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Bedlam Blood battle.

As of Wednesday evening, Oklahoma State University led the competition with 792 participants to OU’s 745.

The Bedlam Blood Battle began Monday and will continue until Friday.

Kelley McPhail, organizer of the blood drive, said OBI is advertising across campus to urge students to donate.

“We’re even asking those resting on the beds to get out their phones and use Facebook to encourage their friends to come down to the Armory,” McPhail said.

McPhail said they’ve signed up 199 students since the beginning of Thursday, but she expects business to pick up during the afternoon.

Each donor receives a T-shirt and a chance to win two tickets to the upcoming Bedlam game in Stillwater. In addition, a football autographed by Bob Stoops will be given to one donor each day of the blood drive.

“This turnout [of 199 students] is less than what we had Monday, and I think the cold weather has something to do with it,” McPhail said.

Kelsey O’Grady, anthropology junior, volunteered for OBI by handing out flyers on the South Oval. O’Grady also said he believed that the cold front influenced students’ willingness to give.

“Most of them are rushing by with their hands stuffed into their coat pockets,” O’Grady said.

The Bedlam Blood Battle will continue until 6 p.m. Friday at the Armory. OBI also has their Bloodmobile outside Oklahoma Memorial Union and a donation site set up at Catlett Music Center.

The winning university will receive a trophy and the spoils of bragging rights.

All blood donated will go to Oklahoma City metro hospitals and more than a hundred medical facilities across Oklahoma.

Jake Morgan

Jake is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Campus Reporter, Assistant Campus Editor and Campus Reporter.