Coach Halted Game Over Hate Concerns

Waymond Jackson, who serves as head football coach and dean at Air Academy High School, directed his team to forfeit a scheduled October 9 homecoming match against Lutheran High School of Parker to protect players from potential racial abuse. The forfeit was publicly attributed to a shortage of available coaching staff, with no mention of the racial misconduct allegations.

Records obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act reveal a fracture within Academy District 20. While Jackson publicly refused to expose his players to a hostile environment, internal correspondence indicates district leadership attempted to suppress the specific reason for the cancellation. An email from district assistant superintendent Becky Harris confirmed that Principal Amy Ripperger acknowledged Jackson's choice but prohibited him from informing his staff or athletes about the real motivation behind the decision.

On October 5, Jackson communicated his stance to a district official, emphasizing that the issue transcended athletic competition. "It is about whether our kids are safe," he wrote, stating he would not knowingly send students and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He conditioned any participation on a full investigation and concrete accountability measures to prevent recurrence during their specific game.

The dispute originated from a September 24 match between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Participants from Sand Creek reported that spectators directed racist remarks and gestures at Black cheerleaders, including slurs and derogatory references to historical figures. Jackson cited additional reports from Rampart High School staff, who described conduct they viewed as disgusting and foul, noting the allegations spanned multiple schools and levels of play.

The coach expressed frustration regarding the district's lack of public endorsement. "I consider it a slap in the face that Academy District 20 has not backed our decision not to play," Jackson wrote, requesting formal support from the district. Meanwhile, communications chief Mark Belcher stated that individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions and may lack context.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has determined that Lutheran spectators and participants engaged in discriminatory language across multiple sporting events. The organization threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke stated the school condemns racism and will meet all requirements, while expressing regret that students lost the chance to compete.

Lutheran faces Montrose on Friday, marking its first game since the controversy emerged. A coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser to support security and legal action involving the association, media outlets, and accusers. The campaign had raised over $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal as of Thursday.