The University of Idaho Argonaut - Spirit squad uniforms scrapped

Spirit squad uniforms scrapped

Written by Reid Wright - Argonaut

Thursday, 18 September 2008

When the University of Idaho football team played Idaho State University on Sept. 5, the Vandal spirit squad was adorned in a black and white two-piece uniform.
During the Western Michigan University game the following week, they wore black shirts and shorts. Now many fans want to know why.
“There were a number of complaints after the Idaho State game from parents and alumni and community members that the uniforms were not appropriate,” said Bruce Pitman, vice provost of student affairs. “We talked about options and alternatives and decided that we needed to replace the uniforms that were used with other uniforms that would be more comfortable.”

Members of the University of Idaho Spirit Squad pose before the first home football game of the season against Idaho State University in their original uniforms. By week two the uniforms were changed because of complaints. Courtesy Photo

Pitman said the decision to abandon the uniforms was made jointly between the UI Athletic Department and the Division of Student Affairs.
Vandal spirit squad coach Cassie Helm resigned Monday. She said the uniform change was one of many reasons contributing to her decision.
“I simply wasn’t as available as I should have been,” she said. “I had to put my family first.”
Helm said she also left because her vision of the future of the spirit squad conflicted with that of the UI administration. She said she did not feel pressured to leave.

“We parted ways. I had a different vision of what they wanted,” she said. “I push the envelope to rock the crowd … I guess Idaho is not ready for that.”
Pitman said the program was heading in a direction the university wasn’t comfortable with.
“We were having communication issues because she doesn’t live here,” he said. “That wasn’t her fault, it wasn’t our fault. It was just that she was only here a few days a week … it was difficult to communicate with her when it was time to talk about issues.”
Helm said the uniforms were part of a bold image that is important to a successful performance.
“It’s all about how you look, about how you feel,” she said. “I thought we were doing a great job … But the upper echelon was not interested in asking me my theory.”
Pitman said the uniforms were not appropriate for college level athletics.

“We were working toward getting some uniforms that are more like those worn in the Pac-10 schools,” he said. “(We) felt that the uniforms that were being worn at the first home game were more like an NFL-type game uniform.”
Helm said she offered to have the uniforms altered to be more conservative, but the administration declined.
Pitman said the abandoned uniforms cost between $4,500 and $4,600. Returning them to the manufacturer is being looked into. Helm said it is unlikely they would be accepted.

“They are one of a kind,” she said. “That’s kind of the point … Most of the girls loved them and looked great in them.”
Spirit squad member Marianne Driflot said the uniforms were part of an effort to integrate the dance team into the spirit squad and that she supported Helm’s choice in the purchase.
“Personally, I liked the old uniforms, but you can’t please everyone,” she said. “The University of Oregon has midriff uniforms, but I can see how Idaho is conservative and that would not be alright here.”

Steven Johnson, director of alumni relations said that as of Tuesday afternoon, he had not heard of any alumni complaining about cheerleader uniforms to his particular office, but Pitman said that complaints had been coming into the Dean of Student’s Office, the athletic department and the president’s office. He also said he has gotten e-mails from community members and parents of cheerleaders thanking UI for pulling the uniforms.
Another cheerleader declined to comment, saying she would get in trouble.
Pitman said the questionable uniforms were ordered late in the financial cycle and there was not enough staff on hand at the time to properly approve the purchase.

Donors who are interested in contributing to the purchase of new uniforms and spirit squad members will likely be involved in the search process, Pitman said.
Pitman said Shelly Robson, currently North Idaho development coordinator for the Vandal Scholarship Fund, will fill in as coach for the spirit squad. Robson had previously served as spirit squad adviser. A new coach will be hired unless Robson has enough time to do the job, he said.

“We feel that the spirit squad has worked very hard.” Pitman said. “They have developed some good, strong performances. (We) feel comfortable with their preparation … The spirit squad has a very important role in representing the University of Idaho at major athletic events, we’re very proud of the hard work that they commit.”

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Comments (1)

	1. 24-09-2008 14:35
	Sorry, I don't get it I graduated from that university just across the state line many years ago. And I live practically within sight of the University of Arizona. Go to any college campus and you'll see girls in clothing that far less tasteful and far more revealing than the costumes pictured in this article. There's nothing wrong with the spirt squad's old uniforms, maybe the athletic department is lacking in the guts department (I kept it clean, btw.) Registered

Tucson

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