Waymond Jackson forfeits Air Academy homecoming to shield Black players from racist abuse

Air Academy High School forfeited its homecoming football game against Lutheran High School of Parker on Oct. 9, a decision driven by head coach Waymond Jackson’s concern that his Black players faced potential racial abuse. While the district’s public announcement cited a shortage of coaches, internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act show Jackson explicitly cited safety as the primary reason for withholding the team.

The conflict stems from events during a Sept. 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members directed racist remarks and gestures at the visiting team. These included calling Black cheerleaders "Harriet Tubman," using slurs, and whipping belts toward them. Jackson noted similar reports from Rampart High School staff, who described conduct by Lutheran attendees as "disgusting and foul" across multiple games.

Jackson wrote to district officials on Oct. 5 that his decision was not about football but about whether students were safe. As a Black man responsible for young people in Academy District 20, he stated he would not knowingly send players and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He required a full investigation and concrete accountability measures before Air Academy would compete.

District administrators appeared to prefer a quieter response. An email from assistant superintendent Becky Harris indicated that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson’s decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger reported that no coaches were willing to lead the team that Friday. Flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent that the district would not support the school if it declined to play. Jackson criticized this stance, writing that he considered the lack of district backing a "slap in the face."

The district released a statement on Oct. 8 saying it had worked with both schools to hold the game, limiting visiting fans to Lutheran families and adding security. District communications chief Mark Belcher noted that individual staff emails do not always reflect official district positions. Jackson told The Denver Post that he is not permitted to speak with the media.

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) 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 the school condemns racism and will meet all CHSAA requirements. He expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. The school plays Montrose on Friday, its first contest since the controversy began. A coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action against CHSAA, media outlets, and individuals who accused the community of racism. As of Thursday, the group had raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal.