High school football coach prepares for year in Afghanistan

For most high school football coaches, the Fourth of July holiday is one of the final reprieves from busy summers that quickly turn into jam-packed falls.

For one North Carolina coach, however, this year's holiday will mark his final days of 2013 on American soil.

Dixon (Holly Ridge, N.C.) head coach Ray Swaney, a lieutenant in the Army Reserves, leaves later this month for a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan, leaving behind his wife, two small children, and an entire football program.

"Being a reservist, you look forward to having the opportunity to serve your country in an active capacity," Swaney told WECT News.

While Swaney is excited for the opportunity, those around him recognize it will be a difficult 12 months without him.

"His classroom will be empty for a while," Dixon principal Vikki Childress told Chris Miller of the Jacksonville Daily News. "We are not going to find anyone with his qualifications.

"[He's] very well respected in the community. He is the rock of this school, he has a true pulse on what is going on, he is a great, great man."

In his fourth year at the helm of Dixon's football program, Swaney guided the team to a 7-4 record last season, and is set to return a number of its key skill players, including 1,000-yard rusher Malik Simmons and top receiver Tyler Ross.

Swaney received the news in November that he'd be leaving in July for a stint in Afghanistan. The school has settled on assistant coach Brandon Iseman as the team's interim coach during his time overseas.

"Coach Swaney is without a doubt the backbone of this program," Iseman told MaxPreps. "His service in the military is a great lesson to our boys about sacrifice and answering the call of duty."

Iseman said that he's proud of Swaney and merely hopes to continue the program's success in his absence.

"I just hope to keep the program going in the right direction and do right by coach Swaney."

Despite being over 7,000 miles away, Swaney won't be completely out of touch with his team. According to WECT news, he plans to follow the team's progress throughout the season using Hudl.

He also plans to use Skype to be present during the school's homecoming pep rally.

It appears that Swaney is already looking forward to his return.

"This is a special place," he said. "It's very family oriented here and it's a great school to be at. I want to thank the people who have supported me."