WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University football and volleyball teams will team up to host a "Get in the Game" donor drive on Tuesday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Student Union.
The event is part of the national Get in the Game (GITG) initiative, a collegiate donor recruitment program founded by longtime coach Andy Talley in partnership with NMDP (formerly Be The Match). The program is designed to educate and register young adults as potential blood stem cell and bone marrow donors, helping to expand the national registry and increase the chances of saving lives.
Throughout the day, West Liberty student-athletes will be actively involved in the effort, both assisting with registration inside the Student Union and spreading awareness across campus to encourage participation.
Head football coach Chad Salisbury emphasized the impact the initiative can have, drawing from his own experience with the program.
"A few years back, a coach named Andy Talley at Villanova started a thing called Be the Match, and it was a bone marrow drive to try to get people's names on the registry," Salisbury said. "Once their names are on the registry, they're on there for life, and they can help people throughout the country."
Salisbury saw the impact firsthand during his time at California (Pa.), where participation in the program led to life-saving matches.
"When I was at Cal, we actually had two kids match, and they were able to save lives," Salisbury said. "Watching that happen, it's something you can't really put into words."
The Hilltoppers are aiming to bring that same impact to campus next week, with a collaborative effort between multiple athletic programs.
"We're going to be over in the Student Union from 10 to 3, and we're hosting it with our volleyball team," Salisbury said. "We're going to have our players involved, and we're encouraging all student-athletes to come out. Some will help run things inside, while others will be out talking to people and encouraging them to come over and sign up."
Beyond the logistics, Salisbury believes the experience can be life-changing—not only for recipients, but for those who choose to register.
"I don't know if we can stress enough what it means," Salisbury said. "Being part of something where you have the ability to literally save a life—it's life-changing for the person receiving it, but it's just as powerful for the person who's able to help."
The "Get in the Game" drive is open to all students, faculty, and community members interested in joining the donor registry. Participation is quick, simple, and has the potential to make a lasting difference.
West Liberty encourages the campus community to stop by the Student Union on April 21 and take part in an initiative that goes far beyond athletics—one that truly has the power to change lives.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
