Forfeit Dispute: Internal Emails Reveal Coach Demanded Safety Guarantees

Parents and players at Air Academy High School learned of the forfeited Oct. 9 homecoming game through a public statement that cited a shortage of coaches. The notice contained no mention of the racial safety concerns that head football coach Waymond Jackson later detailed in internal correspondence.

The dispute traces back to Sept. 24, when Lutheran High School of Parker hosted Sand Creek. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach told The Denver Post that Lutheran students and community members used slurs and gestures, including calling Black cheerleaders "Harriet Tubman" and whipping belts toward them. Jackson also referenced reports from Rampart High School staff regarding similar behavior by Lutheran players and parents during other events.

On Oct. 5, Jackson sent an email to a district official stating his decision was "about whether our kids are safe." As a Black man responsible for young people in the district, he argued he would not send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He proposed that Air Academy would not play unless the allegations were fully investigated and addressed with concrete steps to prevent a repeat.

District administrators appear to have preferred a lower profile. Becky Harris, the district's assistant superintendent for learning services, told Principal Amy Ripperger that while she respected Jackson's decision, he should not inform his staff or students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger wrote that the school had "zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night."

Air Academy flag football coach Barry Clark emailed a parent on Oct. 5, noting that the district would not support the school if it declined to play. Jackson criticized this lack of backing, calling it a "slap in the face" in a letter asking the district to formally support the decision and share it with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA).

The district issued a statement on Oct. 8, saying it worked with both schools to hold the game by limiting visiting fans to Lutheran families and adding security. It attributed the forfeit to "individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available." Mark Belcher, the district communications chief, said individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions.

CHSAA has determined that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language across multiple football and basketball events. The organization 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, adding that it regretted students lost the chance to compete.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. A Lutheran parent coalition launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action involving CHSAA, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. As of Thursday, the group had raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal.

Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy emerged. Jackson told The Post he is not allowed to speak with the media. The Air Academy team remains without a homecoming game, while the district continues to manage the fallout from the Oct. 9 decision.