2004 marked the 25th year of the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation - a milestone of major significance to baton twirling enthusiasts in Canada and abroad. Baton Twirling has changed significantly since the Seventies and Eighties. Gone are the boots and shakos! In their place are graceful leg lines and sparkling rhinestones as the transition from a Parade activity to a competitive sport took place.

Saskatchewan and the Sundown Optimist Buffalo Gals have been at the hub of the development of Baton Twirling as a sport. From the first World Championships to the present day, there has been a Buffalo Gal taking part each year in the International Championship.

Let's take a look:

1980 - Seattle - Brenda Hasenfratz, Pam Wilson

1981 - Nice- Maureen Johnson (WBTF Judge)

1982 - Tokyo - Leanne Scott, SOBG Team

1983 - Milan - Elan Paluck

1984 - Calgary - Elan Paluck

1985 - Frankfurt - Stacy Singer, Elan Paluck

1986 - Torino - Stacy Singer

1987 - Paris - Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, SOBG Team

1988 - Nagoya - Stacy Singer, SOBG Team

1989 - Lausanne - Stacy Singer, SOBG Team

1990 - San Antonio - Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, SOBG Team

1991 - Padova - Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, SOBG Team

1992 - Paris - Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, Leah Holliday Kendra Masters

1993 - DenBosh - Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holiday, Leah Holiday, SOBG Team

1994 - Newmarket - Sheryl Holiday, Leah Holiday, SOBG Team

1995 - Geneva - Sheryl Holiday, Leah Holiday, SOBG Team

1996 - Genoa - Kris Nichols, Jennifer Tangjerd, Leah Holiday, Kendra Masters

1997 - Hawaii - Leah Holiday, Jennifer Tangjerd, Karen Weese

1998 - Lyon - Leah Holiday, Jennifer Tangjerd, Karen Weese, Kris Nichols, SOBG Team

1999 - Orlando - Leah Holiday, Jennifer Tangjerd, SOBG Team

2000 - DenBosch - Leah Holiday, Meghan Halvorsen

2001 - Paris - Marissa Leclair, Becky Scobie, Kris Nichols, SOBG Team

2002 - Saskatoon - Marissa Leclair, Whitney Nichols, Victoria Dauncey, SOBG Team

2003 - Barcelona - Marissa Leclair, Melanda Shay, Erin Ryan, Kris Nichols, Becky Scobie, SOBG Team

2004 - Osaka - Melanda Shay, Erin Ryan

2005 - St. Paul - Melanda Shay, Erin Ryan, Marissa Leclair

2006 - Rome - Sara Thibeault, Kayla McKinnon

2007 - Toronto - Alicia Larkin, Kiera West, SOBG Trans Canada Team

2008 - Limerick - Kelly Husack, Alicia Larkin, Kiera West, Kayla McKinnon, Sara Thibeault

2009 - Sydney - Sara Thibeault, Kayla McKinnon, Chloe Ceulemans, Alicia Larkin, Kiera West, Brigitte Moser, Sydney Wright

2010 - Bergen - Sara Thibeault, Kayla McKinnon, Chloe Ceulemans, Kiera West, Brigitte Moser

2011 - Jacksonville - Sara Thibeault, Kayla McKinnon, Chloe Ceulemans, Kiera West, Brigitte Moser, Sydney Wright, MeKayla Lindsay, Kendra Rich, Nicole Mepham, Julie Stewart, Alicia Taylorson, Jasmine Runge, Sophie Lightheart, Robert Moser, Kelsey Buettner, Megan Burnett

These were memorable, captivating performances producing many medals as well.

During this 30+ year span, Saskatchewan declared Baton Twirling a sport in part due to Stacy's Gold Medal win at the age of 8. Our Saskatchewan Team captured the Gold Medal in 1991 and Jennifer Tangjerd and Leah Holliday were awarded the Senior Pair Gold Medal in 1999. The SOBG Team was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Stacy followed in 1998 as an Athlete and Maureen received the honour in 2000 as a Builder.

Maureen served on the CBTF Executive as the Western Vice-President and followed up through the years as the Saskatchewan Technical Representative. Maureen was also instrumental in developing the Pre-Competitive Program as we know it today, as well as influencing the direction of the Freestyle events through choreography and costuming.

What a legacy for Baton Twirlers of the Future!