Air Academy Coach Cites Safety in Emails Before Withholding Team

African American students at Air Academy High School did not take the field for their Oct. 9 homecoming game against Lutheran High School of Parker. The school publicly attributed the absence to a shortage of coaching staff. However, internal documents show head football coach Waymond Jackson had a different explanation. He told district leaders he refused to place his players in a situation where he feared they would face racial abuse.

The dispute began on Sept. 24 during a game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members used racist remarks and gestures. They described being called "Harriet Tubman," hearing slurs, and having belts whipped toward them. Jackson also cited reports from Rampart High School staff. They said Lutheran attendees directed slurs at Rampart families during previous matchups. Jackson noted these incidents occurred across three games and two levels of play.

On Oct. 5, Jackson sent an email to a district official. He wrote that his decision was not about football. He stated it was about whether the kids were safe. As a Black man responsible for young people in Academy District 20, he said he would not knowingly send students, managers, and families into a setting with potential for abuse. He demanded a full investigation and concrete steps for accountability before his team would play.

District administrators appeared to want the matter kept quiet. Becky Harris, the district assistant superintendent for learning services, wrote to Principal Amy Ripperger on Oct. 5. Harris said she respected Jackson’s decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger reported that the school had zero coaches willing to lead the team on Friday night. Barry Clark, the flag football coach, told a parent in an Oct. 5 email that the district would not support the school if it declined to play.

The district issued a statement on Oct. 8. It said officials worked with both schools to hold the game. They limited visiting fans to families of Lutheran players and added security. The statement claimed individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation. District communications chief Mark Belcher said individual staff emails do not always reflect official district positions and may lack context. Jackson told The Denver Post that he is not allowed to speak with the media.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has reviewed the events. It found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball events. The association has threatened suspension unless Lutheran completes a corrective action plan. Dan Gehrke, the executive director at Lutheran, said the school condemns racism. He stated the school will meet every requirement set by the association. He added that Lutheran had offered a spectator plan and a meeting between head coaches.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. A coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser. The group aims to raise funds for security and legal action against CHSAA, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. As of Thursday, the campaign had raised more than $53,000. The total goal is $500,000.

Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday. It is the first game for the team since the controversy emerged. The match serves as the next step in a process that began with the Sept. 24 incident and continued through the Oct. 9 forfeit.