UTSA basketball coach passed out in his car outside Corpus Christi gas station before DWI arrest
A basketball coach from the University of Texas-San Antonio was arrested Tuesday in Corpus Christi, and a report from the police department describes the alleged drunken encounter.
Austin Claunch, identified in records as James Claunch, was arrested Tuesday and charged with driving while intoxicated. He is a three-year head coach of the Division I basketball team.
UTSA suspended Claunch from the team on Wednesday, the athletics department’s vice president said in an email.
Claunch performed poorly on sobriety tests, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department.
Police responded to a 911 call just before 2 a.m. when someone reported Claunch stumbling inside a Stripes gas station in the 9600 block of South Padre Island Drive.
The report said he walked back to his Mercedes parked in front of the building, and police found him passed out sitting in the driver’s seat with a seatbelt on.
The arresting officer said police turned Claunch’s car off and woke him up. The officer also noted smelling alcohol from his breath and his slurred speech in the report.
Claunch spoke to officers and admitted to having a drink that night, but did not say how much, according to the report. He also told police he drove to the gas station.
He refused to take a breath or blood test, but was taken to a hospital where his blood sample was drawn.
He was booked into the Nueces County Jail the same day and was released on bond.
On Wednesday, UTSA invited media to the training facility to kick off the 2026-2027 season, and KSAT spoke with Claunch that afternoon.
A statement from the university about his arrest was sent out hours after the news conference. UTSA said it’s reviewing the circumstances and will determine the next steps in his suspension.
Lisa Campos, the vice president for intercollegiate athletics, said assistant coach Nick Bowman will serve as acting head coach during Claunch’s absence.
In a statement, Claunch said he regrets his decision, especially being seen as a leader of the team.
“I recognize the responsibility that comes with being a head coach and the example I am expected to set, both on and off the court. I fell short of those expectations, and for that, I am truly sorry,” Claunch said.
Read his full statement below:
“I made a grave error in judgment, and I deeply regret my actions and the disappointment I have caused. I sincerely apologize to the young men I have the privilege of coaching, my fellow coaches and colleagues, President Eighmy, Dr. Lisa Campos and the entire Roadrunner community. I recognize the responsibility that comes with being a head coach and the example I am expected to set, both on and off the court. I fell short of those expectations, and for that, I am truly sorry. I take full responsibility for my decisions and am committed to learning from this experience and earning back the trust and confidence of those who have placed their faith in me.”
UTSA Head Men’s Basketball Coach Austin Claunch
The Roadrunner’s first basketball game is an away game against San Jose State on Nov. 2. This is Claunch’s third season as head coach.
Last year, the Roadrunners finished with a 4-25 record.
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