The Butler junior varsity competition cheerleading squad won two regional competitions in December and qualified for nationals.

The squad won the Universal Cheerleading Association's Allegheny Regional at Slippery Rock University to receive a bid to the National High School Cheerleading Championship.

It also placed first at the UCA's Northeast regional competition at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, N.J.

The Golden Tornado junior varsity finished second in the Three Rivers Challenge at Upper St. Clair High School in October.

Comprising the squad are nine sophomores and 10 freshmen. Sophomores include Lindsey Bernardi, Mindy Geibel, Courtney Link, Samantha Morgan, Jessica Miller, Lea Renwick, Brandi Scott, Kristy Snyder and Maggie Steinheiser.

Freshmen are Shannon Gizienski, Vicki Isaacs, Chelsea Johnston, Natasha Kuhrt, Jocelyn Nulph, Fallon O'Donnell, Kristen Rodack, Channing Saul, Shannon Slomers and Tiffany Stazer.

Former Butler cheerleqader Lindsay Hasychak, a junior at Slippery Rock University, coaches the Butler junior varsity squad.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The San Francisco 49ers fired coach Dennis Erickson and dismissed general manager Terry Donahue Wednesday, cleaning house just three days after the once-proud franchise finished with the NFL's worst record.Owner John York announced the changes to his team, which went 2-14 to match the worst record in San Francisco history.Erickson went 9-23 in two seasons as Steve Mariucci's successor.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Andy Geiger is stepping down as athletic director at Ohio State, citing burnout after almost two years of NCAA investigations into the school's football and basketball programs.Geiger said Wednesday he'll leave the post June 30. He denied being forced out due to a series of investigations. Geiger said the stress of running one of the largest athletic departments in the country led to his decision to leave.

MINNEAPOLIS - Ron Gardenhire was given a two-year contract extension through 2007 by the Minnesota Twins Wednesday, his reward for leading the team to three AL Central titles in three seasons as manager.Last season, the 47-year-old Gardenhire became the fourth manager in major league history to start his career with three straight first-place finishes, joining Larry Dierker (Houston, 1997-99), Ralph Houk (New York Yankees, 1961-63) and Hughie Jennings (Detroit, 1907-09).