Since 2020, every year during the Independence Boogie, we announce the year’s Chicagoland Skydiving Center Legend. The CSC Legend of each year is awarded to an exceptional skydiver at the drop zone that calls CSC home. The honor isn’t always given out to the most talented jumper. Instead, more emphasis is given to their demeanor. And in their honor, a theme resembling them is created for the party, as well as gifts and activities.
The idea of CSC Legends was created out of necessity to keep the fun alive when Independence Boogie was canceled due to restrictions. However, before that, it was just a prank with the first Legend for a free shot of Tequila at our favorite Mexican restaurant during those years. The deal at this Mexican restaurant for your Birthday was one free shot of Tequila. Ironically, the first time it was actually the Legends' actual Birthday. But two months later, we decided to dishonestly say it was the Legends' Birthday again and got him a couple more. Finally, months after that second visit, the entire group of Skydivers secretly set up a plan to include the restaurant staff in the prank and had them bring one after another, which led to a very memorable night of fun for all of us.
The following year, after the Birthday pranks, on a slow weekday, we ordered a bunch of t-shirts for all of us to wear as a commemoration of that night of fun. In addition to everyone having a custom t-shirt, reminiscent of a bachelor party, we also had custom-made stickers, goodie bags, a piñata, and more. The moment the Legend walked into the hangar that morning and realized what was happening was truly amazing, and led to another great party that night.
That was the year when CSC Legends truly transformed into the celebration we know today.. As the playful days with the original Legend began to wind down, we shifted gears. Six months ahead of the Independence Boogie, we honored the OG Legend with a custom, one-of-a-kind jersey. With the guidance of the Original Legend, that year’s Legend was selected. From then on, the tradition became that only past Legends would choose the next remarkable skydiver to join their ranks.
The Legends have been chosen for many different reasons. The OG Legend was chosen for his ability to bring good vibes and a solid base. The second Legend is an amazing soul who has been guiding the drop zone for years with a smile that instills confidence and the knowledge to back it up. The third Legend was chosen because everyone at the drop zone relies on them, and they are always there to deliver. The four Legends are someone wise beyond their years, capable of all disciplines, and a Jedi Master of keeping everyone safe. The fifth Legend is known for bright colors, a nirvana-level mastery within the sport, and the most profound passion for skydiving of anyone I know, which brings us to this year's Legend. But I can’t tell you any of that because it's always a secret until the first day of the boogie.
Seeing all the Legends over the years stack up has been amazing. The light in their eyes when they realize that the whole drop zone has come together to say thank you. It's incredibly fulfilling to gift them something amazing that symbolizes them, and then have them hand it out to other skydivers. Every year gets better and more refined, all leading to the best group of Skydivers I know of. That’s the magic of CSC—by June, the only question on everyone’s mind is: Who’s next?
CSC LEGENDS
2020 Mario Maradiaga
2021 Anne Webster
2022 Paige Pestka
2023 Chris Rea
2024 Casey Long
2025...