PODCAST - 100 Miles of Hope: The MTSU vs. WKU Blood Drive Battle

Oct 14, 2026 at 11:06 am



In this interview, WGNS host Scott Walker talks to guests Dr. Gloria Bonner and Diane Turnham discuss the life-saving impact of the "100 Miles of Hope" blood drive, a philanthropic rivalry between Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Western Kentucky University (WKU) spanning more than 15 years. The conversation highlights how this friendly competition has saved between 20,000 and 30,000 lives by uniting the local Murfreesboro community, students, and alumni to donate blood. Beyond the blood drive, the episode explores the deep-rooted MTSU-WKU football rivalry and the continued evolution of the MTSU campus under Dr. McPhee’s leadership, including standout academic initiatives like the aerospace and concrete management programs. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the upcoming multi-day blood drive at the campus Rec Center to support the Blue Raiders, impact local healthcare, and earn free football tickets.

Tags: 100 Miles of Hope aerospace program American Red Cross Blood Donation blood drive Blue Raiders college football rivalry concrete management Diane Turnham Dr. Gloria Bonner Dr. McPhee free football tickets MTSU MTSU campus Murfreesboro Scott Walker student volunteers the Action Line True Blue Western Kentucky University WGNS radio WKU
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