McLane cheerleaders to replace stolen uniforms with help of generous donations

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Inside the walls of the McLane High School gym, Coach Caryn Tong and her team of 32 McLane cheerleaders learn more than just cheer routines.

They learn about life, even when it's not easy.

"Pretty much life, death, and everything in between," Tong said.

Coach Tong says many of the girls come from broken homes, so she used part of her coaching stipend to buy uniforms for the girls who couldn't afford them. But before her husband dropped them off for dry cleaning on Saturday, they were stolen out of his truck.

"I was like yeah, I gotta help them out," said Freddie Wienholz.

Wienholz dropped off a $1,000 check on Tuesday.

"Help who you can, when you can, and that's just why I do what I do."

As a longtime business owner, Wienholz says he's been the victim of theft many times before, and credits a McLane teacher for getting him to the place he's at now.

"It means a lot to me because it means a person had a great experience here, and all we ever hope for is that the students have great experiences, make a connection," said McLane High School Principal Scott Lamm.

Another anonymous donor stopped by Tuesday's practice to help cover the costs of replacement uniforms which should be ready by homecoming.

"For them to see these people coming in and making donations, and coming in and wanting to be involved, and coming to the practice, and saying hey we support you, it's just been a tremendous thing," Coach Tong said.

"It means a lot to us cause it helps not just us but our coach and the school, for our school spirit," said cheerleader Bopha Mack.

Their spirit was never down, but now they can continue to spread it, one cheer at a time.