Air Academy Coach Cites Racial Safety Concerns to Forfeit Game Against Lutheran

Internal correspondence obtained through a public records request reveals a significant disagreement within Colorado Springs Academy District 20 regarding the handling of racial tensions between two high schools. The emails detail how Air Academy High School’s head football coach, Waymond Jackson, argued that his team should not face Lutheran High School of Parker until specific safety concerns were resolved, a stance that contradicted the district’s initial public explanation for the game’s cancellation.

The district publicly announced on Oct. 5 that Air Academy would forfeit its Oct. 9 homecoming game because it did not have enough coaches available. This statement omitted any reference to the allegations of racism that prompted the decision. Jackson, however, wrote to a district official that the choice was not about the sport itself, but about ensuring the safety of the students. As a Black man responsible for young athletes, he stated he would not knowingly place players, managers, and families in a setting where they might encounter racial abuse. He insisted the game should not proceed unless the district conducted a full investigation and implemented concrete steps to prevent a recurrence.

The controversy traces back to a Sept. 24 football game between Lutheran and Sand Creek. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks and gestures. These actions included calling Black cheerleaders Harriet Tubman, using slurs, whipping belts toward them, and telling them to go back to where they came from. Jackson also cited similar complaints from Rampart High School staff, who described the behavior directed at their families as disgusting and foul. He noted that these reports spanned two schools, three games, and two levels of play.

Jackson expressed frustration with the district’s lack of visible support for his decision. He wrote that the district had not formally backed the school’s choice to sit out the game and asked administrators to share this position with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association. Other internal emails suggest the district may have preferred a quieter approach. 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’s assistant superintendent, told Principal Amy Ripperger that while she respected Jackson’s decision, she directed him not to inform his staff or students.

On Oct. 7, Ripperger confirmed to the district that there were zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night. The district issued a statement on Oct. 8 explaining that it had worked with both schools to hold the game by limiting visiting fans to families of Lutheran players and adding security. It attributed the cancellation to individual decisions that affected coaching participation. Mark Belcher, the district communications chief, noted that individual staff emails do not always reflect official district positions and may lack broader context.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has found that Lutheran spectators and participants 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 every requirement set by the association. He noted that the school had offered a spectator plan and a meeting between head coaches, and he expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete.

Lutheran will play Montrose on Friday, marking its first game since the controversy began. Meanwhile, a coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser to cover security costs and legal actions against the activities association, 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.