Coach Withholds Team Over Racial Concerns

More than $53,000 has been raised in just a few days by a parent group seeking to fund legal fees and security measures, a figure that underscores the growing tension around a local high school football dispute. The fundraising effort targets the school district, media outlets, and individuals who accused the community of discriminatory conduct. This financial push comes as the team prepares to compete in its first game since the controversy broke.

The situation began on Sept. 24 during a matchup between Lutheran and Sand Creek. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that spectators made racist remarks and gestures. These included calling Black athletes Harriet Tubman, using slurs, and whipping belts in their direction. Similar complaints later emerged from Rampart High School staff, who described the behavior as disgusting and foul. The reports spanned three games and two levels of play.

By early October, Air Academy head coach Waymond Jackson decided to act. In an email dated Oct. 5, he told district officials that the decision was about safety, not just athletics. As a Black man responsible for young people, he argued he would not send students and families into an environment where they might face racial abuse. He insisted the team would not play until the allegations were fully investigated with concrete steps to prevent a repeat.

Internal emails reveal a disagreement between Jackson and district administrators. Assistant superintendent Becky Harris told the principal to respect Jackson's decision but keep it from the staff and students. Principal Amy Ripperger later claimed there were zero coaches willing to lead the team on Friday night. The district's public statement on Oct. 8 cited individual decisions affecting coaching participation and noted that security measures had been added to the game plan.

Jackson criticized the district for not formally backing the school's choice to forfeit. He described the lack of support as a slap in the face. District communications chief Mark Belcher suggested that individual staff emails may lack context and do not always reflect the official stance. Jackson told reporters he is not permitted to speak with the media.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has found that discriminatory language was used at multiple events. The organization has threatened to suspend the school unless a corrective action plan is completed. The school's executive director stated that the institution condemns racism and will meet all requirements. He noted that the school offered a spectator plan and a meeting between head coaches.

Lutheran will play Montrose on Friday. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against the same opponent. The parent coalition continues to raise funds for legal action, aiming for a total of $500,000 to cover costs associated with the dispute.