Coach Withholds Team to Protect Players from Racial Abuse

Air Academy High School forfeited its October 9 homecoming football game after head coach Waymond Jackson determined the team was at risk of facing racial abuse. Internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act show Jackson prioritized player safety over the district's desire to hold the event. The school publicly cited a lack of coaching staff as the reason for the forfeit, omitting any mention of the underlying tensions.

The dispute originated on September 24 during a game between Lutheran High School of Parker and Sand Creek. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks and gestures. They described being called "Harriet Tubman," hearing slurs, and being whipped with belts. Jackson also cited similar complaints from Rampart High School staff, who reported that Lutheran attendees directed slurs at their families across three games and two levels of play.

On October 5, Jackson wrote to a district official stating that his decision was "not about football. It is about whether our kids are safe." He explained that as a Black man responsible for young people, he would not send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He insisted the game could only proceed if the allegations were fully investigated with concrete steps to prevent a repeat.

The Academy District 20 leadership appeared to prefer a quiet resolution. Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson's decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. On October 7, Ripperger wrote that the school had "zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night." Flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent that the district would not back the school if it declined to play.

Jackson criticized the district's lack of support in an email, calling it a "slap in the face." He asked administrators to formally support the decision and notify Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). The district's October 8 statement said it had worked with both schools to hold the game by limiting visiting fans and adding security. It claimed that individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available.

CHSAA has since found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball events. The organization threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke stated the school condemns racism and will meet every requirement. He noted that the school had offered a spectator plan and a head coaches' meeting, and he expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. A Lutheran parent coalition launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action involving CHSAA, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. As of Thursday, the group had raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal. Lutheran is scheduled to play Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy emerged.

Jackson told The Post he is not allowed to speak with the media. District communications chief Mark Belcher said individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions and may lack context. Players later said they backed the forfeit as a protest of the alleged conduct by students and adults at Lutheran's previous games.