While giving blood is part of playing football, figuratively and sometimes literally too, this year, more Clipper football players than ever have donated blood in a different way when they participated in the fall and spring blood drives.
Collectively contributing three of the 43 pints the SADD Club collected on Wednesday’s drive, which was held in the new gym, seniors David Draheim, Alex Kortuem and Mason Kluntz were football players who were first-time donors.
The trio said donating was a good way to get out of a class for an hour. For Kluntz and Kortuem, SADD advisor and math teacher Dave Roberts convinced them to donate.
Draheim, who decided on his own to give blood, thought the needle might hurt a little and make him nauseous, but neither happened.
All were pleased to be able to help people in need.
The 43 pints collected by Red Cross workers was up from the 35 pints collected during the fall blood drive, but the SADD Club didn’t meet its goal of 100 pints between the two drives.
Still, the amount collected should result in a $1000 scholarship granted by the American Red Cross, said Roberts.
“If we can get to 100, the amount jumps to $1500.”
Besides school staff members and students over 16 (with parent permission if they are between 16 and under 18), the public is invited to participate in school blood dives. Look for information on the school website or its Facebook page for the date of next year’s fall drive.
Above: Red Cross workers tend to Alex Kortuem and Mason Kluntz while SADD advisor Dave Roberts looks on.
Elijah Mons, Anna Kawatski-Klein, Olivia Reinhardt and Vivian Hilfer took the first intake shift.
Braeden Smith, a four-sport athlete, first donated during this year’s fall blood drive.
Olivia Reinhardt, Emma Bluhm and Vanessa Wondra at the donation sign-up table. Donors could also schedule their appointment on line.
David Draheim displays his donation. At his side is SADD advisor Dave Roberts.