Air Academy Coach Defied District Silence to Withhold Football Team

Internal emails reveal a sharp conflict between Air Academy High School head football coach Waymond Jackson and Colorado Springs Academy District 20 leaders over the forfeit of the Oct. 9 homecoming game. Jackson told district officials he would not risk exposing his players to racial abuse, a stance that clashed with administrators who sought to keep the matter low profile.

The school initially announced the forfeit due to a lack of available coaches. The public statement did not mention the alleged racist conduct at Lutheran High School of Parker. However, players later described the forfeit as a protest against behavior witnessed during a Sept. 24 game at Lutheran against Sand Creek High School. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks, including calling Black cheerleaders Harriet Tubman and using slurs. Jackson noted that reports of discriminatory behavior also came from Rampart High School staff, covering three games and two levels of play.

In an Oct. 5 email, Jackson stated his decision was not about football but about ensuring the safety of Black students, managers, and families. He insisted that Air Academy would not play unless the allegations were fully investigated with concrete steps to prevent a repeat. He criticized the district for failing to back his decision, calling the lack of support a slap in the face. He asked the district to formally support the forfeit and share the decision with Lutheran and the Colorado High School Activities Association.

District records show a divided response. Becky Harris, the assistant superintendent for learning services, wrote that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson's decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. By Oct. 7, Ripperger told staff that zero coaches were willing to coach on Friday night. Barry Clark, the flag football coach, told a parent 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 district positions and may lack context.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language across multiple football and basketball events. The organization 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 that the school offered a spectator plan and a head coaches meeting but regretted that students lost the chance to compete.

Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy emerged. A Lutheran parent coalition has launched an online fundraiser for security and legal action involving the 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.