ROCHESTER, Minn — Student-athletes lean on their parents for support. It’s not often they physically hold up their kids.
A cheerleading gym in Rochester gives dads the opportunity to do just that once a year. Minnesota Xtreme All Star Cheer in Rochester holds a stunt clinic once a year for their cheerleaders to stunt with their dads.
“It’s fun to be here, I never get to be involved like this,” said Ian Karow, who came to the clinic with his daughter McKenzie.
David DeBolt co-owns the gym with his wife and has a daughter of his own.
“We love to see dads taking part in their daughter's activities” said DeBolt. “They say that a lot of times, a girl’s dad is kind of her first love. So for them to get to come in and experience what it is they do on a daily basis is a great opportunity.”
“Nice work Hannah Claire!” said Tim Larson after a stunt with his daughter. “It’s a bit of a workout."
Lily Schouweiler brought her dad Dan to share her love of cheer
“You have to trust him to lift you up and not drop you,” said Lily Schouweiler. “He’s my dad, I have to trust him.”
“It took a lot of strength and coordination haha even though she’s pretty light,” joked Dan Schouweiler.
DeBolt said it gives fathers a new appreciation for the sport their children are in.
"I think the dads come up with an appreciation of how hard their daughters work," said DeBolt. "They certainly trust their dads. They're now seeing them in a different light."
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