Colorado Football Forfeit: Emails Reveal Racial Tensions Behind Air Academy's Decision

Air Academy High School forfeited its October 9 homecoming football game against Lutheran High School of Parker, a decision internal emails describe as a protest against alleged racial abuse. The school’s public announcement cited a shortage of coaches, omitting any reference to the controversy surrounding its opponent. Players later stated they supported the forfeit as a direct response to conduct observed by students and adults at a previous event.

Head football coach Waymond Jackson told district leaders he would not expose his players to potential "racial abuse" unless the allegations were fully investigated. In an email sent on October 5, Jackson wrote that the decision was not "about football. It is about whether our kids are safe." He argued that as a Black man responsible for young people, he would not knowingly send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face such treatment without concrete steps to prevent a repeat.

The incident originated with a September 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks and gestures. These included calling Black cheerleaders "Harriet Tubman," using slurs, and whipping belts toward them. Jackson also cited claims from Rampart High School staff, who described similar behavior directed at Rampart families during separate games as "disgusting and foul."

A clear divide emerged within Academy District 20 between Jackson, who sought a formal stance, and administrators who preferred a quieter approach. Becky Harris, the district’s assistant superintendent for learning services, wrote that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson’s decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. Ripperger later explained the forfeit by stating, "we have zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night." Flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent on October 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 district positions. The district’s October 8 statement said it had worked with both schools to hold the game, limiting visiting fans to families of Lutheran players and adding security. It attributed the forfeit to "individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available." Jackson told reporters he is not currently allowed to speak with the media.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball 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 every requirement. He said the school had offered a spectator plan and a meeting between head coaches, and he expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran.

Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy emerged. Meanwhile, a coalition of Lutheran parents 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 campaign had raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal.