University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Captures Colonial Athletic Association Blood Challenge Title for Sixth Straight Year
2/8/2017 4:13:00 PM | Delaware Athletics
• Blood Bank of Delmarva Website
RICHMOND, Va. -- For the sixth straight year - and for the 10th time overall - the University of Delaware has captured the Colonial Athletic Association Blood Challenge title.
The recently completed 15th annual CAA Blood Challenge resulted in 1,250 productive units of blood that were collected from 1,261 donors on the 10 CAA campuses. Over the 16-year history of the event, the CAA Blood Challenge has resulted in 44,857 productive units of blood.
“The CAA Blood Challenge is annually one of the most impactful community service projects that occurs on our campuses,” CAA Commissioner Joe D'Antonio said. “The simple act of donating blood affects the lives of thousands of people. We are proud of the efforts of the students, faculty and administrators who were involved in making the Blood Challenge successful once again.”
The University of Delaware led the way once again with 354 donors, almost twice as more as the contest runner-up and third place finisher and three times more than each of the other seven league schools.
“The University of Delaware is proud to once again take the lead in this life-saving challenge,” said University of Delaware Director of Athletics and Recreation Services Chrissi Rawak. “On behalf of the University of Delaware community and all the communities throughout the Colonial Athletic Association, I want to thank those who came out to support such a great cause at this time of the year. I also want to thank the Blood Bank of Delmarva for coordinating the event and for the vital services they provide in helping those around us throughout the year.”
Hofstra University finished second in the CAA Blood Challenge with 198 donors and Drexel University placed third with 190 donors. Elon University (114), UNCW (113), the College of William & Mary (107), and James Madison University (104) all had more than 100 people donate blood.
The University of Delaware continued its tradition of success in the CAA Blood Challenge. The event has annually been one of the largest blood drives in the Delmarva region.
“Once again it is an honor for the Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) to partner with the University of Delaware in the annual CAA blood drive competition. This is a fantastic opportunity to directly support members of the communities in which we work and live in,” said Roy Roper, President and CEO of BBD. “Winning the competition this year, it is especially notable as this is my final year as CEO of the Blood Bank. However, even in retirement I will continue to “pull for” BBD and UD in all future competitions. Thanks everyone for a job well done.”
The CAA Blood Challenge was developed by the conference presidents as a fun way to emphasize the critical importance of donating blood. Each CAA institution worked with its local blood service center and designated one day during the fall term to conduct a campus-wide blood drive. Student groups, faculty, staff and alumni were all encouraged to participate.
The Colonial Athletic Association will present the University of Delaware with an award in recognition of its outstanding achievement during a men's basketball game on Feb. 16.
MEDIA INFORMATION: Contact Scott Selheimer | selheime@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8007 | Cell: 302-562-5129
