Brooks Kicks Off ?Big Blue Crush? at News Conference: Coach Rich Brooks gave the first pint of blood during the 18th annual ?Big Blue Crush? blood drive news conference Thursday afternoon at the Central Kentucky Blood Center.

Additional speakers at the news conference were Susan Berry-Buckley, President of CKBC; Dan Dickson, Communications Director of CKBC; and Amelia Brown, 2003 UK Homecoming Queen whose life was saved by organ and blood donations. The UK Pep Band, cheerleaders, and Wildcat mascot entertained the crowd. Following the news conference, Coach Brooks gave the ceremonial first pint of blood to kick off the event.

The ?Big Blue Crush? is a blood drive competition between Kentucky and Tennessee prior to the two teams squaring off on the football field. Kentucky leads the series, 9-7, and there has been one tie.

In addition to Lexington, fans also may give blood at the CKBC offices in Somerset, Pikeville, and Prestonsburg. Anyone giving blood during the Crush will receive a limited edition Crush T-shirt and a McDonald?s extra-value meal coupon.

For complete information on the Big Blue Crush, go to website .