Video: UNI supporting cast »

CEDAR FALLS -- They lace their sneakers like everyone else and worry about season-ending injuries. Purple and gold are their favorite colors, sweat is the common denominator, generously contributed during hours of practice each week and on game days.

"It's a passion. To put this kind of commitment in, it has to be a passion," says cheerleader Julie Kleinwort, 19, of St. Ansgar.

Athletes taking the field and court for the University of Northern Iowa, however, absorb most of the attention. Fans, probably the majority of them anyway, turn out primarily to see the players compete, not the individuals working the sidelines. It's an acknowledged and accepted fact.

"We give people something to watch while they're waiting for some more Panther football," says Spencer Ford, 20, of Cedar Falls, a drum major with the Panther Marching Band.

Cheerleaders, dancers and musicians -- the supporting cast members who transform simple contests into super-sized events overflowing with abundant entertainment -- are OK with that.

Which is not to say the people busiest during timeouts and at the half think their roles are insignificant. Danny Galyen, director of UNI's marching band, believes cheerleaders, dancers and musicians provide the key ingredient in college athletics.

And that is spirit.

"I never watch the NFL, and that's probably why," Galyen says. "There's just no spirit."

Not a problem at UNI in 2007. The football team is undefeated, ranked No. 1 in the country and hosting a quarterfinal playoff game today. The men's basketball team is playing well and on Tuesday soundly thumped Iowa State University. The volleyball team is in the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year.

The excitement is something new for Galyen, who is in his first year at UNI. Virginia Tech, Syracuse, the University of Florida and Bridgewater College -- none were at the top of their game in athletics when Galyen was studying or teaching at those fine institutions.

"I seem to have gone to schools when they were bad," he says.

Once again, not an issue for the UNI football team.

"They are 12-0 under me as a band director," Galyen says.

He is only kidding about helping quarterback Eric Sanders pick up first downs, but he is very earnest about contributions the sideline crews make during games.

"You become part of the atmosphere," Galyen says.

Kleinwort recognizes a similar energy.

"We're a big part of getting the crowd into it," she says.

Others closer to the action also notice the contribution, like football coach Mark Farley.

"We've heard from Coach Farley a couple of times about how much he likes us being here," Ford says.

In fact, the team won't take the field until after a visit from members of the drum line. Players congregate behind what looks like a gigantic garage door, and the drummers do their thing with gusto.

"They play and get them all riled up," Ford says.

When the team is down a few points, members of the spirit squad kick into gear, and -- hopefully -- spectators sitting on their hands respond.

Time

What may not be readily apparent is the amount of time the supporting cast invests.

Sophomore Kelsey Niles, 19, figures cheerleaders practice at least seven hours each week. To letter, they also are required to offer 30 hours of community service during the school year. Qualifying events include parade appearances, hospital visits, charity outings and workshops with high school pep squads.

And, of course, they have to cheer.

Like members of the dance team and marching band, Panther cheerleaders also are students with all the related concerns. Kleinwort has two part-time jobs. She also is taking 15 hours of classes.

"Oh, who sleeps," she says.

In reality, Kleinwort says her congested schedule helps her focus.

"It makes you manage your time."

Nate Clayberg is assistant athletic director for marketing and promotion. He also oversees the dance team and cheerleaders. In three years in that role, Clayberg says he developed a new appreciation for the students' commitment.

The young people receive no scholarships, no college credit for their activities and no stipends. The athletic department budgets between $10,000 and $12,000 for the dance team and cheerleaders, which pays for uniforms and camps, Clayberg says. For the "extra fun stuff," dancers and cheerleaders must raise money, typically about $400 each year, he adds.

Purple and gold

On the flip side, the students get to travel. And they typically have very good seats during games.

Emily Flaspohler, 22, of Story City, is a member of the marching band's color guard. That puts her in the front row on the 30-yard line.

"It's just such a thrill to be right behind the team and to hear what they're saying," she says.

Clayberg, though, senses staying close to UNI teams and players in a figurative sense is more important for musicians, dancers and cheerleaders.

"They want to be involved with the squads and the (athletic) department and to support their school," Clayberg says.

The NCAA allows 12 members of a college's spirit squad on the field at any given time. In the UNI-Dome, that includes, T.C., the Panther mascot. To comply, cheerleaders and dancers rotate by quarter.

Observant fans also might realize they aren't seeing the same faces at all UNI contests. Cheerleaders are divided into gold and purple squads. Gold team members are women, and their first priority is volleyball and women's basketball. Men participate on the purple squad, which shows up at football and men's basketball games.

No one is complaining, but UNI's success on the football field has so far extended the season by two weeks. Dancers, cheerleaders and musicians are hoping for several more, concluding with a trip to Chattanooga, Tenn., for the national championship game.

"We're all for it. We want to go the distance," Kleinwort says.

Ford went to his first UNI game when he was 7 weeks old. Since then, he suspects his blood has run purple. Watching as a fan, though, is sometimes difficult. Ford says he can't really concentrate on the game until after halftime.

"The marching band is my first priority," he says.

A trip south in December would be better than good.

"It's an opportunity not a lot of people get to have," he says. "How many times do you get to be No. 1?"

Contact Dennis Magee at (319) 291-1451 or dennis.magee@wcfcourier.com.