Colorado Forfeit: Coach Cites Racial Safety in Email Exchange

More than $53,000 was raised by a Lutheran parent coalition as of Thursday, according to records for an online fundraiser aimed at covering security costs and legal action. The funds were collected in response to a forfeited homecoming football game involving Air Academy High School and Lutheran High School of Parker. The controversy centers on internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act. These documents show a division between school leadership and district administrators over the decision to cancel the Oct. 9 matchup.

The dispute traces back to a Sept. 24 football game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks. They described being called "Harriet Tubman," hearing slurs, and seeing belts whipped in their direction. Participants also reported being told to "go back to where they came from." Similar complaints emerged from Rampart High School staff regarding incidents at two other games. They described the behavior directed at their families as "disgusting and foul."

Air Academy head football coach Waymond Jackson cited these reports in his decision-making process. In an Oct. 5 email to a district official, Jackson stated the issue was "not about football. It is about whether our kids are safe." Writing as a Black man responsible for young people in the district, he argued he would not send students, managers, and families into an environment where they might face racial abuse. He specified that Air Academy would not play unless the allegations were fully investigated and concrete steps were taken to prevent recurrence.

District administrators appeared hesitant to make the dispute public. Assistant Superintendent Becky Harris told Principal Amy Ripperger to respect Jackson's decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. Ripperger later wrote on Oct. 7 that the school had "zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night." The district released a public statement on Oct. 8 saying it worked with both schools to hold the game. It limited visiting fans to families of Lutheran players and added security personnel. The statement attributed the cancellation to "individual decisions" affecting coaching availability, without mentioning racism.

Jackson pushed back against the district's public silence. He called the lack of support a "slap in the face" in an email to district leadership. He asked the district to formally support the decision not to play and to share that position with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association. Air Academy flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent on Oct. 5 that the district would not back the school if it declined to play. District communications chief Mark Belcher noted that individual staff emails do not always reflect official positions and may lack context.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has reviewed the complaints. It found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball events. The organization threatened to suspend the school unless it completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke stated the school condemns racism and will meet all CHSAA requirements. He noted that Lutheran had offered a spectator plan and a meeting with head coaches. He also expressed regret that students lost the opportunity to compete.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. Air Academy players later said they supported the forfeit as a protest of the alleged conduct at Lutheran. The district maintained its public explanation focused on coaching shortages. Jackson told the Denver Post he is not allowed to speak with the media regarding the dispute. The internal emails show he sought formal district backing before the cancellation became public.

Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday. This is its first game since the controversy emerged. The parent coalition's fundraising campaign targets a $500,000 goal. The funds are designated for security measures and legal costs involving CHSAA, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. The district has not released a new statement regarding the fundraising effort. The next scheduled game for Air Academy has not been announced in the available documents.