Since 1966
History
Sixty years of Michigan students showing up, and forty of beating Ohio State at it.
As far as our records show, in 1966 the students of Alpha Phi Omega sponsored and hosted the first blood drives on the University of Michigan campus. The drives expanded so much that in 1982 the organizers took advantage of both their success and the rivalry with the Buckeyes to hold the first Blood Battle.
1966
Alpha Phi Omega hosts the first campus drives in the Michigan Union Ballroom. 472 students donate.
1982
The first Blood Battle against Ohio State. Michigan wins. A tradition is born.
2007
Michigan loses by three pints — three donors — in a fifth straight defeat.
2008
The streak breaks: 2,333 to 2,152. Enough blood to potentially save nearly 7,000 lives.
2009
Michigan defends the title, 2,449 to 2,350.
2010
2,615 to 2,515. Third straight win.
2011
30th anniversary. Fourth consecutive victory, 2,628 to 2,402.
2016
35th anniversary. Michigan wins by 8 pints and brings the trophy back to Ann Arbor.
2019
A decisive 2,338 to 2,176 win.
2020
Despite COVID-19, Michigan prevails 1,396 to 884 for a third straight win.
2021
Blood Battle and football, both won: 1,591 to 1,090 and 42-27. Announced at halftime in the Big House.
2022
Blood Battle lost 1,553 to 1,630 — football won 45-23.
2023
Blood Battle lost 1,469 to 1,732 — football won 30-24.
2024
Blood Battle lost 1,407 to 1,707 — football won 13-10, a fourth straight game.
The score to settle
Three Blood Battle losses in a row. The football team has done its part four years running. Your appointment is the rest of it.