April 12, 2006

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova University head football coach Andy Talley and his Wildcat football players will host a bone marrow testing drive on Saturday, April 22, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jake Nevin Field House.

Talley's involvement in the national bone marrow campaign began in 1992 when he raised over $10,000 to determine the blood type of 200 individuals, with Villanova football student-athletes and his coaching staff serving as the foundation.

Now is his 14th year of association with the bone marrow donor program, Talley continues to hold testing drives to get people tested and typed into the national registry. Since 1992, Talley's efforts have resulted in over 3,000 potential donors being successfully tested and entered into the registry.

"Athletes have been truly given great gifts, and this is one small way to give back to someone in great need," said Talley. "Because coaches and athletes are in the public eye, we want to raise awareness that bone marrow donors are needed. This is a great opportunity to give someone a second chance in life."

For more information on the bone marrow testing program, contact the Villanova football office at 610-519-4105.