Air Academy coach rejected Lutheran matchup over racial safety concerns

Air Academy High School forfeited its Oct. 9 homecoming football game against Lutheran High School of Parker after the head coach determined the risk of racial abuse was too high. Internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act show that coach Waymond Jackson informed district leaders of this decision before the public announcement cited a lack of coaching staff as the reason for the forfeit.

The district’s Oct. 8 statement stated that individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available. It did not mention the allegations of racism that Jackson raised. Jackson wrote on Oct. 5 that the issue was not about football but about whether the kids were safe. He said he would not send Black students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse unless the allegations were fully investigated with concrete accountability steps.

The controversy stemmed from a Sept. 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran spectators used racist remarks and gestures. They described being called Harriet Tubman, hearing slurs, and having belts whipped toward them. Jackson also cited claims from Rampart High School staff who said Lutheran attendees directed slurs at Rampart families. He noted these reports came from two schools across three games and two levels of play.

District administrators appear to have preferred to keep the matter internal. Becky Harris, the assistant superintendent for learning services, told Principal Amy Ripperger to respect Jackson’s decision but directed him not to tell his staff or students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger wrote that the school had zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night. Air Academy flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent in an Oct. 5 email that the district would not back the school if it declined to play.

Jackson criticized the district for not backing the decision not to play. He called it a slap in the face and asked the district to formally support the forfeit and share it with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association. District communications chief Mark Belcher said individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions and may lack context. Jackson told The Denver Post he is not allowed to speak with the media.

The CHSAA 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 said the school condemns racism and will meet every CHSAA requirement. He stated that Lutheran had offered a spectator plan and a head coaches' meeting.

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