HISTORY

The University of Northern Iowa "Drill Team" was formed in 1972. The team performed at football and men's basketball games and wore homemade uniforms of purple corduroy skirts, matching vests and gold blouses. At some point in time, the team's name was changed from "Drill Team" to "Pom Squad" then finally becoming known as the "Dance Team" in 1997. Although much of the UNI Dance Team's history is unknown, please find below a list of more recent events and achievements.

2008-2009

Spirit Squad Advisor, Leon Costello

Dance Team Choreography Committee, Jessica Fuller, Trista Powers, Sierra Vanderhelm and Amanda Miller

2007-2008

Spirit Squad Advisor, Nate Clayberg

Dance Team Choreography Committee, Jessica Fuller, Elizabeth Hackbarth, Trista Powers & Sierra Vanderhelm

2006-2007

Spirit Squad Advisor, Nate Clayberg

Dance Team Choreography Committee, Kim Gladson, Jessica Fuller, Morgan Havlicek, Katie Kohnert and Aubrey Seltrecht

2005-2006

Spirit Squad Advisor, Nate Clayberg

Dance Team Choreography Committee, Kim Gladson, Erin Pearson, Katie Kohnert and Morgan Havlicek

2004-2005

Spirit Squad Advisor, Shandon Dohmen

Dance Team, Coach-Jori Wade Booth

  • Introduction of the new UNI Spirit Squad Web site
  • 2nd place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • 2nd place in fight song at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded overall superior rating and trophy at UDA College Camp
  • The dance team joins the UNI Marching Band performing in the first ever Panther Marching Band Spectacular
  • For the first time, the UNI Dance Team hires choreographer Stacy Reis to assist with its competition routine
  • 12th place finish in Division I Dance at UDA National Competition

2003-2004

Spirit Squad Advisor, Shandon Dohmen

Dance Team Coach-Jori Wade-Booth

  • 3rd place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • 2nd place in fight song at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded overall superior rating and trophy at UDA College Camp
  • 14th place finish in Division I Dance at UDA National Competition

2002-2003

Spirit Squad Advisor, Shandon Dohmen
Dance Team Coach-Jori Wade-Booth

  • 3rd place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded overall superior rating and trophy at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded program improvement trophy at UDA College Camp
  • 19th place finish in Division I Dance at UDA National Competition
  • The UNI Dance Team 200 Club is established for close family and friends of the team

2001-2002

Dance Team Coach-Jori Wade-Booth

  • 3 rd place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded Most Improved at UDA College Camp
  • 10th place finish in Division I Dance at UDA National Competition

2000-2001

Spirit Squad Coordinator-Jim Wegener

Dance Team Coach-Jori Wade-Booth

  • 3 rd place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded overall superior rating and trophy at UDA College Camp
  • 10th place in Division I Dance at UDA National Competition
  • Inside the UNI Dance Team, the annual team newsletter for friends and family is introduced
  • After being absent for five years, the UNI Spirit Squad reintroduces its annual team poster

1999-2000

Spirit Squad Coordinator-Jim Wegener

Dance Team Coach-Brad Flanagan

  • 3 rd Place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded overall superior rating and trophy at UDA College Camp
  • Winner of the UDA Midwest College Dance Team Championship

1998-99

Dance Team Coach-Heather Lilienthal

  • 2nd place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • 1st place in fight song at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded overall superior rating and trophy at UDA College Camp
  • Voted most collegiate team at UDA College Camp
  • Honored with the Leadership Award at UDA College Camp
  • Team makes first appearance in school history at the UDA National College Dance Championship and places a respectable 16 th in the Open Division.
  • Team adds women's home basketball games to its performance schedule

1997-98

Spirit Squad Coordinator-Karen Dowell

Dance Team Coach-Misty Hade

  • 1st place in home routine at UDA College Camp
  • 1st place in fight song at UDA College Camp
  • Awarded overall superior rating and trophy at UDA College Camp
  • Voted most collegiate team at UDA College Camp
  • Team name changes form UNI Pom Squad to UNI Dance Team
  • Team adds home wrestling matches to its performance schedule
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