Coach Cites Safety Concerns in Forfeit Decision

A significant internal division emerged within Academy District 20 after the head football coach at Air Academy High School declined to schedule a matchup with Lutheran High School of Parker. Internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act indicate that the coach believed his team faced a risk of racial abuse. This decision contradicted the district’s public explanation, which attributed the forfeit of the Oct. 9 homecoming game solely to a shortage of coaching staff without mentioning allegations of bias.

Waymond Jackson, the Air Academy head coach, argued in an Oct. 5 email that the issue extended beyond athletics. He stated that the decision concerned the safety of students, managers, and families. Jackson wrote that as a Black man responsible for young people, he would not knowingly place them in a setting where they might face racial hostility. He insisted that Air Academy would only play if the allegations were thoroughly investigated and specific accountability measures were implemented to prevent future incidents.

The controversy traces back to a Sept. 24 game at Lutheran against Sand Creek High School. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks and gestures. These included calling Black cheerleaders Harriet Tubman, using slurs, and whipping belts toward the visitors. Jackson also cited reports from Rampart High School staff regarding similar behavior directed at their families during separate events. He noted that these reports spanned two schools, three games, and two levels of play.

Jackson criticized the district’s reluctance to formally support his stance. He described the lack of backing as a slap in the face and requested that the district share its position with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association. An email from district assistant superintendent Becky Harris indicated that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson’s decision but directed him to keep it confidential from staff and students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger cited a lack of willing coaches as the reason for the forfeit, a statement that aligns with the district’s public narrative.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has determined that Lutheran participants and spectators used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball events. The organization has threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke stated that the school condemns racism and will meet all requirements. He expressed regret that students lost the opportunity to compete and noted that the school had offered a spectator plan and a meeting with head coaches.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. Lutheran is scheduled to play Montrose on Friday, its first contest since the controversy began. A coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action against CHSAA, media outlets, and accusers. The campaign has raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal as of Thursday.

District communications chief Mark Belcher noted that individual staff emails do not always reflect official positions and may lack context. Jackson told The Denver Post that he is not permitted to speak with the media. Players at Air Academy later indicated that they supported the forfeit as a protest against the alleged conduct at the earlier games.