The Idaho Vandals football team is getting national attention despite a 1-3 season, including several blow-out losses. The source of this attention is the cheerleading squad, which some spectators complain have “skimpy” uniforms. This comes less than a month after the Vandals cheerleaders were given a new outfit after a similar series of complaints earlier in the season.

“A number of fans were concerned that the uniforms were inappropriate,” Bruce Pitman, the dean of students at the University of Idaho, told reporters. The uniform in question consisted of a low-cut halter top and a short black skirt. There were earlier complaints that forced the Vandals to remove their logo from the backside of the skirt, which some said drew too much attention.

Most of the complainants were parents, alumni, and community members, according to Pitman. “We talked about options and alternatives and decided that we need to replace the uniforms that were used with other uniforms that would be more comfortable.” At the last football game, against Western Michigan University, the cheerleaders were seen wearing black shirts and shorts.

The decision to change the uniforms was made between the University Athletic Department and the Division of Student Affairs. The spirit squad coach, Cassie Helm, resigned on Monday, citing the uniform change as “one of many reasons” contributing to her decision, including a vision which conflicted with that of the administration.

The new, less revealing uniforms will cost $2,200, which will be paid for with private money. The “skimpy” outfits had cost $4,200 to order, which was taken out of the squad fund, part of which is drawn from student fees. The new uniform will be black and silver with a longer skirt and less revealing top. Although Pitman admits that some fans liked the old uniforms, some of the cheerleaders themselves were apparently uncomfortable with them. According to Shelly Robson, the spirit squad adviser, “Girls are just bigger these days, not everybody’s a size zero.”

Helm, on the other hand, disagrees. She said that the uniforms were meant to present a bold image, which is important to giving a successful performance. “It’s all about how you look, about how you feel,” she said. “I thought we were doing a great job.” The college administration disagreed with the direction she wanted to head the squad in. Helm added, “I push the envelope to rock the crowd … I guess Idaho is not ready for that.”