University of Idaho cheerleaders cover up

University of Idaho cheerleaders will unveil their new, more demure, uniforms at the home football game Saturday against Nevada.

Complaints that the previous uniforms were too short and revealing prompted the change.

Shelly Robson, adviser to the school's Spirit Squad, said the new uniforms better represent the university, which is in Moscow, Idaho.

"As a public institution, we are responsive to the community that supports us and we are stewards of our image," Robson said. "The old uniforms were not appropriate for or reflective of Idaho."

The original outfits, first worn during the Sept. 6 game against Idaho State, were shiny and featured halter tops and very short black skirts with white trim. They were similar to what NFL cheerleaders might wear, and cost $4,200 to equip the 19-woman squad.

Some spectators complained about them being too skimpy, although others liked them, Dean of Students Bruce Pitman has said.

Cassie Helm of Liberty Lake, Spokane County, the cheerleader coach responsible for the uniforms, said they were intended to promote physical fitness, but she resigned after the clothing was criticized.

The cheerleaders then worked the Sept. 13 game against Western Michigan wearing black volleyball shorts and football jerseys.

The new two-piece uniforms are primarily black with silver accents. The tops are also a halter-style with silver accents and a silver "I" on the chest; the skirts are black with a wide silver band along the bottom, but are about 6 inches longer than the earlier versions.

They cost a total of $2,200, raised from private donors.