Air Academy Coach Cites Racial Safety in Homecoming Forfeit

Air Academy High School forfeited its October 9 homecoming football game because head coach Waymond Jackson feared his players would face racial abuse if they competed against Lutheran High School of Parker. The school’s public announcement attributed the cancellation to a shortage of coaches, omitting any mention of the racial allegations that Jackson cited in internal correspondence.

Jackson wrote to district officials on October 5 that the decision was not about football but about student safety. As a Black man responsible for young people in the district, he stated he would not send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He said Air Academy would not play unless the district fully investigated the claims and took concrete steps to prevent a repeat.

The controversy traces back to a September 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members used racist remarks and gestures. These included calling Black cheerleaders "Harriet Tubman," using slurs, and whipping belts toward them. Jackson also cited claims from Rampart High School staff that Lutheran attendees directed slurs at Rampart families during two other games.

Internal emails show a division within Academy District 20. Assistant Superintendent Becky Harris told Principal Amy Ripperger that she 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. Jackson criticized the district for not backing the school’s decision, calling the lack of support a slap in the face.

The district issued a statement on October 8 saying it worked with both schools to hold the game by limiting visiting fans and adding security. It stated that individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available. District communications chief Mark Belcher noted that individual staff emails do not always reflect official district positions and may lack context.

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language across multiple football and basketball events. The organization threatened suspension unless Lutheran completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke said the school condemns racism and will meet every CHSAA requirement. He noted that Lutheran had offered a spectator plan and a head coaches' meeting.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. Lutheran is scheduled to play Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy emerged. A Lutheran parent coalition has launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action. As of Thursday, the campaign had raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal.