TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Although the Battle for the Belt is still days away, the Troy Trojans and the South Alabama Jaguars are already in a fierce competition.

Each year, the two schools hold a blood drive competition to see who can donate more blood. Troy’s Student Government Association (SGA) has partnered with American Red Cross in hopes of beating the Jaguars.  

“Obviously, it’s South Hate Week,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Abby Gilliand, who is a junior hospitality tourism and event management major from Alexander City, Alabama. “We want to beat South to get the bragging rights, but it’s honestly such a good thing to do.

“I’ve given blood all three years of being here, during homecoming and greek week as well. You’re helping save people from car crashes and cancer.”

Vrund Shah is a graduate student majoring in artificial intelligence from Anand, India and has donated blood four times since coming to the United States in August of 2024. 

“I try to donate blood once every couple of months,” Shah said. “As an O positive blood type, I really love to donate blood. It’s my way to help the community. I could give money, but by giving blood, I could help save someone’s life.”

To Gilliand, the blood drive is more than just about beating South Alabama. 

“I have had a couple of family members that have had cancer, and needed blood,” Gilliand said. “Having access to blood donations is such a great thing. It really makes you see how helpful it can be, especially to families.

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“It makes you feel good to give blood, but it’s really such a awesome thing for those families.”

No matter the shade of red and no matter the school, those who donate blood to those in need are the real winners.