When it comes to competing with University of Michigan, Spartans bleed green.
And throughout February, it's time to give blood.
The Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross is organizing the second annual Cold Blood Battle between the universities, asking community members to donate as much blood as possible. U-M won the inaugural blood battle.
High school and college students give 20 percent of the blood collected across the country, according to statistics gathered by the American Red Cross.
This year, the Spartans are anticipate gathering 1,295 units of blood through the challenge. As of Friday, MSU reached 80 percent of the goal.
Students can donate at 20 drives across campus and in East Lansing during February. Appointments are recommended to cut down on students' waiting time. Donors can give blood every 56 days and must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be 17 years or older.
"We really rely on students' generosity," Red Cross spokeswoman Ann Kammerer said. "We need more people to come out and show their Spartan spirit and donate."
Last year, the MSU community donated 729 pints of blood.
Each blood donation is divided into plasma, red cells and platelets, so each unit can save up to three lives. All blood products for hospital patients come from volunteers.
Alumni are being encouraged to give blood at the Lansing Red Cross Donor Room, 1800 E. Grand River Ave.
"Everyone in the community is welcome to participate," Kammerer said.
Despite the two drives held at Shaw Hall last week, packaging sophomore Madeline Kwiecien couldn't bring herself to face her fears.
"I'm just so afraid of needles," she said. "I feel bad, I want to donate. I like volunteering. I know I should - I'm just so scared to pass out.
"Maybe next time."
The winner of the blood battle will be announced when the Wolverines face the Spartans hockey team at 7:35 p.m. in Detroit's Joe Louis Arena on March 6. For more information, call, (800) GIVE-LIFE.
