Coach Said No to Playing Lutheran to Keep Players Safe, Emails Show

A high school football coach refused to let his team take the field over fears of racial harassment.

Internal emails released to United Wire Today show Air Academy High School's head coach, Waymond Jackson, told district officials he would not send his players, managers, and families into a situation where they might face racial abuse. The messages outline a disagreement within Academy District 20 regarding why a scheduled October 9 homecoming game against Lutheran High School was cancelled.

The public statement released by the school claimed the contest was forfeited because the team lacked sufficient coaches. That statement did not mention any allegations of racist behavior. However, players later explained that they supported the decision to forfeit as a protest against conduct reported at a previous Lutheran game against Sand Creek High School.

The emails indicate Jackson, who serves as both coach and dean, chose to take a stand, while other administrators appeared to prefer keeping the issue quiet. On October 5, Jackson told a district official his choice was 'not about football. It is about whether our kids are safe.' Writing as a Black man responsible for young people, he stated he would not knowingly send students into a setting where they might face racial abuse. He said Air Academy would not play unless allegations were fully investigated and addressed with real accountability.

The dispute began with a September 24 game. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks and gestures. This included calling Black cheerleaders 'Harriet Tubman,' using slurs, whipping belts toward them, and telling them to 'go back to where they came from.' Jackson also referenced reports from Rampart High School staff regarding slurs directed at Rampart families, behavior they called 'disgusting and foul.' He noted these reports came from two schools across three games.

Jackson criticized the district's lack of public support. 'I consider it a slap in the face that Academy District 20 has not backed our decision not to play,' he wrote. Another email from a district official said the principal respected Jackson's decision but directed him not to tell his staff or students. The district later issued a statement saying individual decisions affected coaching participation. A district spokesperson said individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions.

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) found that Lutheran spectators used discriminatory language across multiple events. The organization threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran's executive director, Dan Gehrke, stated the school condemns racism and will meet every CHSAA requirement. He also expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete.

Lutheran is scheduled to play Montrose on Friday, marking its first game since the controversy began. A Lutheran parent coalition has 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 campaign had raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal.

Air Academy forfeited its homecoming game, and Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. Jackson told United Wire Today he is not allowed to speak with the media.