Copper State Classic Special Awards

There are currently three special awards presented at Copper State Classic.

• Copper State Excellence Award

  • For the most memorable combination of artistry, technical skill, and engaging performance in standard track Singles Free Skating at the Juvenile - Senior level. This award is for free skating performance (short program or free skate).

• Madison Defler Memorial Award

  • Madison is remembered for her work ethic and pure love of skating.  In her memory, this award will celebrate the most inspirational performance at the Basic 5 - Aspire 4 level. (sponsored by Gordon Zaft)

• Leighton Accardo “This Is Me” Award

  • Leighton was a bright shining star, a true one-of-a-kind performer.  She was a fierce competitor with a heart of gold!  Leighton sold every program with attitude and personality.  To be awarded to the skater that most embodies Leighton’s flair for performance.  (Sponsored by the Accardo Family).

Winners receive a plaque, and their names are entered on the banner for that award.

Notes:

The Copper State Excellence Award and Madison Defler Memorial Award are to be awarded for free skate or short program performances.  The Leighton Accardo “This Is Me” Award will recognize showcase performances.

On May 24, 2022, the CSSC Board made these clarifications:

A competitor can only win a special award once.

The Accardo award winner does not have to be nominated for the skate-off, nor win their event, to win the award.

The Accardo award is the top showcase award; therefore, the Accardo award winner does not win a Skateoff award. If the Accardo winner is first in their skateoff, the skateoff award will go to the runner-up.

On December 15, 2023, the CSSC Board made this clarification:

The criteria for the Excellence award was changed:

Previous language: For the most technically outstanding Singles Free Skating performance at the Juvenile - Senior level.

New language: For the most memorable combination of artistry, technical skill, and engaging performance in standard track Singles Free Skating at the Juvenile - Senior level. This award is for free skating performance (short program or free skate).