Air Academy Coach Rejects Game Over Racism Fears While District Stays Silent

Waymond Jackson, the head football coach at Air Academy High School, made a decisive move to protect his team. He told district leaders that he would not send his players to a game against Lutheran High School of Parker. His reason was a fear of possible racial abuse. This decision came to light through internal emails obtained via the Colorado Open Records Act. The records show a clear divide within Academy District 20. Jackson wanted to act on new information. The administrators seemed to prefer a quieter approach.

The public story told by the school was different. Officials said the team was forfeiting its homecoming game on October 9. They cited a lack of available coaches as the primary reason. The initial announcement did not mention any allegations of racism. However, players later spoke up. They said they supported the forfeit as a protest. They were reacting to alleged conduct by students and adults at Lutheran. This happened during a previous game against Sand Creek High School.

Jackson explained his reasoning in an email sent on October 5. He wrote to a district official that the decision was not about football. He stated it was about whether their kids were safe. As a Black man responsible for young people, he said he would not knowingly place students, managers, and families in a risky setting. He argued they might face racial abuse. Jackson set a condition for playing. The allegations needed a full investigation. There had to be real accountability. Concrete steps were required to prevent a repeat at their upcoming game.

The controversy started on September 24. That was the date of a game between Lutheran and Sand Creek. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported racist remarks and gestures. They said Lutheran students and community members called Black cheerleaders Harriet Tubman. They also used slurs. Some whipped belts toward the cheerleaders. Others told them to go back to where they came from. Jackson also cited claims from Rampart High School staff. They said Lutheran players, parents, and attendees directed slurs at Rampart families. They called the behavior disgusting and foul. Jackson noted these reports came from two schools, across three games, and at two levels of play.

Jackson criticized the district for its lack of support. He called the silence a slap in the face. He asked the district to formally back their decision not to play. He wanted them to share this stance with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association. Another email revealed a different internal view. Barry Clark, the Air Academy flag football coach, told a parent that the district would not back the school if it declined to play. Becky Harris, the district assistant superintendent for learning services, also wrote to Jackson. She said Principal Amy Ripperger respected his decision. However, Ripperger directed Jackson not to tell his staff or students about the decision.

On October 7, Principal Ripperger wrote that the school had zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night. The district issued a statement on October 8. It said officials had worked with both schools to hold the game. They limited visiting fans to families of Lutheran players. They also added extra security. The statement claimed that individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation. Mark Belcher, the district communications chief, added that staff emails do not always reflect official positions. He noted that such emails may lack context. Jackson told reporters he is not allowed to speak with the media.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has taken notice. It found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language. This happened across multiple football and basketball events. The association threatened suspension. Lutheran must complete a corrective action plan to avoid it. Dan Gehrke, the Lutheran executive director, said the school condemns racism. He promised to meet every requirement set by the association. He said Lutheran had offered a spectator plan and a meeting for head coaches. He expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran.

Lutheran plays Montrose this Friday. This is its first game since the controversy began. Meanwhile, a coalition of Lutheran parents has started an online fundraiser. The money will support security and legal action. They plan to involve the activities association, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. As of Thursday, the group had raised more than $53,000. Their goal is $500,000.