The fourth annual Battle of the Valleys pits Grand Valley students against the students of Saginaw Valley State University in the run-up to Saturday's football game between those gridiron rivals. On Tuesday, October 31, Haas will be taken "Haastage" by Laker mascot Louie the Laker in Grand Valley's Kirkhof Center. Members of the Grand Valley community will be asked for donations toward his ransom.
The contest begins at midnight on October 29 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on November 3. The winner will be announced at halftime during the game on November 4. The tradition began in 2003 with a Grand Valley victory. Saginaw valley won in 2004 and 2005. The victorious school will receives a trophy designed by a Grand Valley student. That trophy is currently in Saginaw, and student organizers want to bring home to Allendale this year. Grand Valley has raised more than $21,000 over the past three years for local charities.
This year, GVSU's Student Senate has chosen to raise funds for Burton Middle School's library. Originally built in 1928, the library has never been expanded and its collection hovers around 8,000 books -- including many that are too worn to be read.
The battle runs all week long, with t-shirt sales and other fundraising activities. In addition to the Haastage event, activities include:
- Monday: Kick-off party at Main Street Pub in Allendale from 9 p.m. to midnight, featuring live bands and Louie the Laker
- Thursday: Saginaw Valley Idol: Talent contest to see who can sing the worst. The winner will be crowned Saginaw Valley Idol
- Friday: Cardinal Roast pep rally in Kirkhof Center from 6 p.m. to midnight
