Internal Mail Reveal: Air Academy Coach Refused to Play Amidst Racial Tensions, District Stayed Silent

Newly released internal correspondence reveals a significant disconnect between a high school football coach and district leadership regarding a controversial game forfeit.

The timeline of events began in late September, when issues surfaced during a game at Lutheran High School of Parker. 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. Jackson later noted similar reports from Rampart High School staff, who described the behavior as disgusting and foul. These incidents spanned two schools, three games, and two levels of play.

Following these reports, Air Academy High School head coach Waymond Jackson decided the team should not play Lutheran in its Oct. 9 homecoming game. In an email dated Oct. 5, Jackson wrote to a district official that the decision was not about football but about whether the kids were safe. He stated he would not knowingly send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He insisted on a full investigation and concrete steps for accountability before playing.

The district's response appeared to favor quiet handling over public action. Flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent in an Oct. 5 email that the district would not back the school if it declined to play. Assistant Superintendent Becky Harris wrote that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson's decision but directed him not to tell his staff or students. By Oct. 7, Ripperger wrote that the school had zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night. This led to the public announcement on Oct. 8, which cited a lack of coaches rather than racism as the reason for the forfeit.

Jackson criticized the district for not formally backing the decision not to play. He called the lack of support a slap in the face and asked the district to share the decision with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association, or CHSAA. District communications chief Mark Belcher stated that individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions and may lack context. Jackson noted he is not allowed to speak with the media.

The CHSAA has found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball events. The association has 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. He noted the school had offered a spectator plan and a head coaches' meeting and regretted that students lost the chance to compete. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran.

Financial and legal actions are now emerging from the dispute. A Lutheran parent coalition has launched an online fundraiser to cover security costs and legal action 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. Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday, marking its first game since the controversy emerged.

This situation highlights the tension between public relations and operational reality in local education. The district aimed to present a united front regarding staffing issues, while internal emails suggested a different narrative about safety concerns and administrative discretion. The outcome now hinges on the CHSAA's corrective action plan and the ongoing financial efforts by the Lutheran parent coalition.