SPRIT WORLD

A York cheerleading squad? The idea seems more redolent of ivy-clad Gothic architecture and rowing teams than York.

But cheerleading is back in a big way, says Corby Anderson, coach of York's 17-member pep team. York had a squad briefly in the mid-'8Os, but it never took off. However, things got jumping two years ago when he arrived to do his degree in kinesiology and health sciences.

Anderson had been a former cheerleader himself with the University of Western Ontario's team (one of the province's best). He agreed to head up York's squad. "I thought my cheerleading days were behind me. But I got the bite back," says Anderson.

Pompoms are out these days except in certain competition routines. Today's teams also welcome men (York has three on its squad). For both sexes, the emphasis is on "strength mechanics." (Picture yourself picking up a woman and holding her above your head with one hand.)

"The stereotypes are disappearing thanks to media coverage of cheerleaders," Anderson says. "Having men on the squad is old hat for most American universities. They even give out cheerleading scholarships."