Nov. 25, 2013
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — On the coldest day in history inside Kinnick Stadium, the University of Iowa spirit squads (ISS) went about their business of leading and entertaining the crowd.
The record cold of 16 degrees at kickoff did not keep spirit squad from getting more than 65,000 Hawkeye fans on their feet cheering on the Hawkeyes to a 27-24 victory over Michigan.
The spirit squad was reminded throughout the week to come prepared with layers, hand warmers, toe warmers and anything else they could layer under their jackets.
The squad performed stunts, pyramids, dance routines, tumbling and crowd-worked on the sideline as they would at any other game. The extra layers changed up things slightly, but a large difference should not have been noticed by the crowd.
The crowd was into the game getting louder and louder as the game moved along. Putting up the I-O-W-A flags after each touchdown became a bit tricky as the winds howled through Kinnick, but the squad members were happy to be waving the flags, as it meant another Iowa score.
The dance team performed at halftime with the Hawkeye marching band. The “Motown Halftime Show” featured the dance team during the song RESPECT.
A little hot chocolate provided by dance coach Jennifer Eustice helped out at halftime in the locker room. Then it was back out to the cold and the second half of the game.
“The cold wasn’t too terrible, until you stood still – which kept us moving and spirited,” said senior cheerleader Kaitlyn Dornbier. “Part of loving the Hawkeyes is loving everything about Iowa, and to do that you’ve got to brave some cold every once and awhile.”
“The cold couldn’t keep us down.” said senior Tommy Wisniewski. “It just proves how great our fans are.”
See the Iowa spirit squads at all of the home men’s and women’s basketball games, home Iowa wrestling meets, and it will also be at a bowl game at the end of the football season.
Follow the Iowa Spirit Sqauads on Twitter at @IOWACHEER, @IowaDanceTeam, @TheREALHerky.