Eric Swords taking over Whitley County Boys’ Basketball

Whitley County High School’s new boys’ basketball coach will look familiar to Colonel Nation as Eric Swords will be making the move from Williamsburg.

In a press release Tuesday, officials announced that Swords, who has coached the Yellow Jackets for the last two seasons, has accepted the job.

“He is an experienced head coach that has a love for basketball. His love and energy for the game will help build the championship basketball program that our players and fans deserve. I am very happy to welcome Coach Swords, his wife Cierra and their children to the Colonel family,” said Superintendent John Siler.

Swords brings 13 years of coaching experience to Whitley County, eight as a head coach. Prior to taking the job at Williamsburg, Swords coached Berea where he led the Pirates to a region tournament appearance.

“Leaving home is hard, it’s where I grew up and most of my family as well,” Swords said in a Facebook post announcing his departure. “When I took the job two years ago, I thought it was my forever job…but sometimes in life you have to bet on yourself to reach your goals.”

Swords thanked the people of Williamsburg for their support during his tenure and the players for their efforts.

“I appreciate all the parents that allowed me to coach their kids, the Jacket faithful that supported us, assistant coaches, the administration, but most importantly the kids,” Swords said. “They put a lot of time in to build the Williamsburg program and I love them each dearly. I was blessed to be able to be the head coach at my alma mater, and that will always mean a ton to me.”

After beginning the season 2-0, Whitley County officials announced, without explanation, that Mark White was no longer leading the Colonels.

Assistant Coach Austin Horn took over as interim coach, leading the Colonels to 13-16 season.

The Jackets finished the season 16-14 under Swords.