Supporting Hawkeye athletes is their primary role, but this weekend the University of Iowa Spirit Squads will be the ones competing. The UI cheerleading and dance teams are once again heading to the UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Earlier this week, friends and family packed into the Field House's North Gym to see a preview of their performances. The group was scheduled to leave Iowa City at 5 a.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 16 to compete on Saturday and Sunday. Information about the event, including the performance schedule and how to watch online, can be found at the UCA website.

Fans of the Iowa Spirit Squads can also follow their adventure on Twitter @IOWACHEER and @IowaDanceTeam.