Coach Cited Racial Safety in Emails Before Forfeiting Homecoming Game

Waymond Jackson, head football coach at Air Academy High School, refused to play Lutheran High School of Parker over fears of racial abuse, according to internal emails released through the Colorado Open Records Act. The school publicly announced on Oct. 9 that it was forfeiting its homecoming game due to a lack of coaches, omitting any mention of the underlying allegations. Players later described the forfeit as a protest against conduct they witnessed at a previous game involving Lutheran and Sand Creek High School.

The emails reveal a division within Academy District 20. On Oct. 5, Jackson wrote to a district official that the decision was about safety, not football. He stated he would not knowingly send Black students, managers, and families into an environment where they might face racial abuse. Jackson required a full investigation and concrete accountability measures before agreeing to play. He noted that reports of misconduct came from two different schools across three games and two levels of play.

The initial controversy emerged on Sept. 24 during a game at Lutheran against Sand Creek. 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 them. Rampart High School staff also reported that Lutheran players and parents directed slurs at their families. Jackson cited these specific incidents in his decision to withdraw the team.

District administrators appeared to want to keep the matter low-key. Flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent on Oct. 5 that the district would not back the school if it declined to play. Becky Harris, the district's assistant superintendent for learning services, told Principal Amy Ripperger to respect Jackson's decision but instructed him not to inform his staff or students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger wrote that no coaches were willing to lead the team on Friday night. The district's Oct. 8 statement claimed that individual decisions affected coaching participation and that they had worked with both schools to hold the game with added security.

Mark Belcher, the district communications chief, said individual staff emails do not always reflect official district positions. Jackson told The Denver Post he is not allowed to speak with the media. The Colorado High School Activities Association (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.

Lutheran will play Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy began. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. A coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action. The group aims to raise money for legal challenges 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.

The dispute has shifted from a single scheduling issue to a question of institutional support. While the district cited staffing shortages, the internal correspondence points to a desire to manage the situation quietly. The financial backing from Lutheran parents suggests the conflict may extend beyond the field as legal preparations begin.