Coach Jackson Blocked Air Academy Homecoming to Shield Black Players

Air Academy High School head football coach Waymond Jackson told district officials he would not play Lutheran High School of Parker because he feared his players would face racial abuse. Internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act show Jackson made this decision to protect his team from alleged misconduct by Lutheran students and adults.

The school officially announced on Oct. 9 that the homecoming game was forfeited due to a lack of available coaches. The public statement did not mention the racism allegations. Players later confirmed they supported the forfeit as a protest against behavior they witnessed during a previous game at Lutheran.

Jackson, who serves as both head coach and dean, wrote to a district official on Oct. 5 that the decision was not about football but about student safety. As a Black man responsible for young people in Academy District 20, he stated he would not send students, managers, or families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He required a full investigation and concrete accountability measures before the team would return to the field.

The dispute traces back to a Sept. 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran spectators used racist remarks and gestures, including calling Black cheerleaders Harriet Tubman and using slurs. They also reported that belts were whipped toward the group. Jackson cited additional reports from Rampart High School staff, who said Lutheran attendees directed slurs at Rampart families during two other games.

The emails reveal a tension between Jackson and district leadership. Jackson criticized the district for not backing the decision, calling the silence a slap in the face. He asked the district to formally support the forfeit and notify the Colorado High School Activities Association. In response, Air Academy flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent on Oct. 5 that the district would not support the school if it declined to play.

Becky Harris, the district assistant superintendent for learning services, sent an email stating that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson’s decision but instructed him not to inform his staff or students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger wrote that the school had zero coaches willing to lead the team on Friday night.

The district issued a statement on Oct. 8 saying it worked with both schools to hold the game. It limited visiting fans to families of Lutheran players and added security. The statement attributed the forfeit to individual decisions affecting coaching participation. District communications chief Mark Belcher noted that staff emails do not always reflect official district positions.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language across multiple football and basketball events. The organization threatened to suspend the school unless it completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke said the school condemns racism and will meet all requirements. He noted that the school offered a spectator plan and a meeting with head coaches.

A Lutheran parent coalition has launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action against the association, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school. The campaign has raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal as of Thursday. Lutheran is scheduled to play Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy began.

Jackson told The Denver Post that he is not permitted to speak with the media. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran.