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MEDIA ADVISORY

November 19, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Shannon Wingard (614) 247-6821

Ohio State University hosts Beat Michigan Week

Football rivalry highlighted by charitable events

COLUMBUS – The rivalry between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan extends beyond the sidelines. Before the football game’s opening kick off, both university communities will compete in the annual Blood Battle to raise the most donations for the American Red Cross.

Beat Michigan Week, which includes a live broadcast of “Sports Talk” with Chris Spielman, will provide students with the chance to actively contribute to the community.

More than 33 sites will be set up around campus for Ohio State students, faculty and staff and the public to donate blood. The Red Cross will coordinate the drive to see which state gets the most donations.

Undergraduate chair Heather Vaubel said Beat Michigan Week is intended to bolster Buckeye spirit and to provide students with the chance to give back to their community.

“Beat Michigan Week is a series of events that capture the spirit of the rivalry and turn it into positive energy,” Vaubel said. “I think it’s an important time for Ohio State to do something to help others.”

Events include:

Tuesday (11/20)

Blood Battle Drive, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Ohio Union. Ohio State’s students, faculty staff, and the public will compete with Michigan to raise the most blood donations. Ellen Tressel and the other football coaches’ wives will be on hand to help from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Good Luck Bucks Banner Signing, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ohio Union. Students, faculty and staff can sign a good luck banner, which will be hung in Ohio State’s locker room at the University of Michigan.

Chris Spielman Live with “Sports Talk,” noon to 1 p.m. at Woody’s Place in the Ohio Union. Come to see Spielman’s program broadcasted live on 1460 The Fan.

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