Air Academy coach forfeits game over racial abuse concerns at Lutheran

Waymond Jackson, the head football coach at Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs, told district leaders he would not send his team to play Lutheran High School of Parker. He cited concerns that his players might face racial abuse. The district publicly stated the team forfeited its Oct. 9 homecoming game because it lacked enough coaches. That announcement did not mention the racism allegations that triggered the coach's decision.

Internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act show a clear divide within Academy District 20. Jackson, a Black coach, wrote to a district official on Oct. 5 that his decision was not about football. He said it was about whether the students were safe. He refused to send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He stated that Air Academy would not play unless the district fully investigated the claims and took concrete steps to prevent a repeat.

The controversy began after a Sept. 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks. They said fans called Black cheerleaders Harriet Tubman, used slurs, and whipped belts toward the group. Jackson also cited claims from Rampart High School staff. They said Lutheran players and parents directed slurs at Rampart families during multiple events. Jackson noted that reports of this behavior came from two different schools across three games.

Jackson criticized the district for not backing his decision. He called the lack of support a slap in the face. He asked the district to formally support the forfeit and share that position with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association. An email from Air Academy flag football coach Barry Clark indicated the district would not support the school if it declined to play. Becky Harris, the district’s assistant superintendent for learning services, told Principal Amy Ripperger that she respected Jackson’s decision. However, Harris directed the principal not to tell the staff or students.

On Oct. 7, Ripperger wrote that the team had zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night. The district released a statement on Oct. 8 saying it had worked with both schools to hold the game. It limited visiting fans to families of Lutheran players and added security. The statement said individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available. District communications chief Mark Belcher said that individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions and may lack context. Jackson told The Post that he is not allowed to speak with the media.

The Colorado High School Activities Association found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors. This occurred across multiple football and basketball events. The association threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Dan Gehrke, the executive director of Lutheran, said the school condemns racism. He stated the school will meet every requirement set by the association. He said Lutheran had offered a spectator plan and a meeting for head coaches. He expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. The school faces its next match against Montrose on Friday. This will be its first game since the controversy emerged. A coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser. The money is intended for security costs and legal action. The targets of the legal action include the association, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. As of Thursday, the fundraiser had raised more than $53,000. The group has set a goal of $500,000.