The University of Montana Grizzlies may have come up a bit short on the gridiron Saturday, but they scored big in the donor’s chair, edging their cross-state foes in the annual Red Cross Cat Griz Blood Battle, a friendly competition that supports Montana patients in need.

Throughout November, Griz supporters donated 93 units of lifesaving blood at UM campus drives, topping the 80 units collected from Bobcat fans. The victory snaps a three-year Blood Battle winning streak for the Cats — but when Montana hospitals are stocked with the blood they need, everyone wins.

“A huge congratulations to Griz Nation for reclaiming the trophy this year,” said Carmen Madsen, who helps oversee Red Cross blood collection in Montana. “But the real victory belongs to the patients whose lives will be touched by these donations. Whether you wear maroon and silver or blue and gold, every donor helps keep Montana families strong, and that’s something we can all cheer for.”

Red Cross has teamed up with the two universities for more than three decades to host this spirited rivalry for a lifesaving cause. This year, more than 30 first-time donors came through the door.

The Blood Battle comes at a crucial time of year, when donations often decline as people get busy with holiday activities, and winter weather keeps some donors indoors. But the need for blood remains constant.

Red Cross supplies blood products to more than 30 hospitals and medical centers statewide, making every drop count. Every day, cancer patients, those undergoing surgery and trauma victims depend on this blood being readily available on hospital shelves.

Although the 2025 Blood Battle has wrapped up, donors can still make a lifesaving difference in Missoula, Bozeman and communities across Montana. A single donation takes less than an hour and can help save more than one life.

To find a nearby blood drive and schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter your ZIP code or call 800-RED-CROSS.