With Claunch suspended following arrest, UTSA faces new questions around identity
The Roadrunners' efforts to turn around recent struggles were thrown for a loop when coach Austin Claunch was arrested less than a week before tipoff.
Austin Claunch, head coach of the UTSA men's basketball team, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) five days before the start of the season. The arrest took place around 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning in a Stripes parking lot in Corpus Christi. Claunch was found unconscious, wearing his seatbelt with the vehicle running and the door open.
He admitted to drinking and driving, but refused blood and breath tests. Athletic director Lisa Campos suspended Claunch on Wednesday night, replacing him with longtime assistant Nick Bowman as the interim head coach.
The arrest occurred just 36 hours prior to the team's scheduled practice, which was meant to focus on their identity as "Texas Tough." Claunch emphasized that this identity meant fighting for rebounds and deflections, as well as pushing the tempo. However, with Claunch suspended, questions about the team's identity have emerged as they prepare to open the new season on Monday against San Jose State.
UTSA guard Dorian Hayes stated that the team wants to create a chaotic, fast-paced environment to challenge opponents. Assistant coach Nick Bowman runs a drill during practice the same day as the arrest. The arrest report indicates that Claunch had been stumbling and slurring his speech when officers found him. He refused additional testing and was transported to a hospital. Despite the suspension, Claunch returned to practice and spoke to reporters, expressing excitement to challenge his team and praising their potential.
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