UTSA students and staff lined up down the sidewalk to donate blood Tuesday. Senior
basketball players Amber Prose (left) and Kate Fitzgerald were among the many donors.
Athletes, other students, staff participate in blood drive
(Sept. 11, 2001)--The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center bloodmobile was at the 1604 Campus by the University Center today, and the blood drive will continue inside the Convocation Center Wednesday, Sept. 12, for as long as there are donors.
In the wake of Tuesday's terrorist attacks, hospitals treating the injured will have first priority to the nation's blood supplies, and early reports say some of the injured may actually be transported to San Antonio for treatment. All types of blood are needed.
Following news of the attacks Tuesday morning, members of the Tri-Campus community began lining up around the University Center to donate. As scores of UTSA students watched in horror as New York City was systematically terrorized, a number of student-athletes went to work to do what they could to alleviate the pain by donating blood.
Senior basketball players Kate Fitzgerald and Amber Prose opted to give blood before a 5 p.m. practice.
"I didn't know about it until I heard someone talking in my sign language class," said Prose, a native of Little River, Kan. "I've given blood a number of times back home; I've got my blood card."
"(Teammate Niki Foster) came into my room and told me that a plane had hit the World Trade Center," said Fitzgerald. "This is just awful, I can't be there to help, so I am trying to do what I can here."
Senior softball pitcher Angela Graham was ready to give blood for the first time on Tuesday. "I always wanted to give blood, but have been in my sport season," said the California native. "I figured they would need blood given and something would be set up here."
Joining Graham in the long, winding line that snaked along the front of the University Center was freshman softball players Krystal Gibson and Melissa Moseley, senior catcher Michelle McElyea and student-assistant softball coach Monica Briggs.
"I think this shows our athletes are not just leaders on the field, but also in the community," said UTSA athletic director Lynn Hickey. "Often times, without fanfare, they perform acts to better the community they live in."
UTSA postponed its match with Southwest Texas State Tuesday night at the Convocation Center. The game has been re-scheduled for Nov. 13.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. A free mini physical will be given. Bring a valid photo ID, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after donating. Donors will receive a T-shirt. Blood can be donated every eight weeks.
Portions of this story courtesy of Bill Petitt, UTSA Sports Information.
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TODAY'S HEADLINES:
Administrators
call for compassion, counselors offer support
Athletes, other students, staff participate in blood drive
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crisis support meetings offered Wednesday at 1604 and Downtown Campuses
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