The UTSA Roadrunners represent the University of Texas at San Antonio and have quickly built a name in NCAA athletics. Known for their energetic spirit and the unique UTSA Roadrunners mascot, the program has achieved success across several sports. From football to UTSA Roadrunners baseball, the university continues to expand its presence and tradition in collegiate competition.
College Sports Established
1969
Location
San Antonio, Texas
College Name
University of Texas at San Antonio
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1969 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2023 - / American Athletic Conference
2013 - 2023 / Conference USA
2012 / Western Athletic Conference
2011 / Independent
1992 - 2011 / Southland Conference
1986 - 1991 / Trans America Athletic Conference
1982 - 1986 / Independent
Nickname
Roadrunners - The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners have become a beloved college sports team in the Lone Star State. With their impressive record and spirited fan base, it's no wonder why they're so popular! But have you ever wondered where the name “Roadrunners” came from?
The original nickname for UTSA was "Cornyotes," which students chose during an online poll in 1977. However, this nickname didn't stick as many people found it too similar to other teams' nicknames like Coyotes or Cowboys. So when UTSA joined Division I athletics in 2012, they decided to go with something more unique—the Roadrunner!
UTSA Roadrunners Origin
This iconic bird is native to Texas and has been associated with speed since its early days on television shows such as Looney Tunes and The Jetsons. It made perfect sense for UTSA's athletic teams because road-running requires quick thinking and agility—qualities that are essential for success on the court or field! Plus, who doesn't love a good pun?
The official mascot of UTSA is Rowdy the Roadrunner – he wears a red jersey adorned with white wings, just like his real-life counterparts do while running around campus before games! He can often be seen cheering on athletes at sporting events throughout San Antonio while wearing his signature sunglasses. Even if you don’t follow college sports closely, chances are you still know about Rowdy thanks to his appearances on social media platforms such as Twitter & Instagram (@GoRunners).
So next time someone asks why your favorite school chose "Roadrunners" as their mascot, remember: it reflects their commitment towards excellence and pays homage to one of Texas' most iconic birds -the road-running bird itself!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1981
- 1991
- 1992
- 2012
- 2015
- 2017
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UTSA Roadrunners men’s basketball team is founded
In 1981: The UTSA Roadrunners men’s basketball team is founded. The team plays its first game on November 30, 1981, against Southeastern Louisiana. -
UTSA Roadrunners football team is founded
In 1991: The UTSA Roadrunners football team is founded. The team plays its first game on September 7, 1991, against Northeast Louisiana. -
UTSA’s Convocation Center is built
In 1992: UTSA’s Convocation Center is built. The venue is later renamed the UTSA Event Center and the UTSA Convocation Center and is used by several athletic teams, including men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. -
UTSA Roadrunners men’s basketball team wins the Southland Conference championship
In 2012: The UTSA Roadrunners men’s basketball team wins the Southland Conference championship and makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance, losing in the first round to Ohio State. -
David Morgan II Performance in UTSA
David Morgan II is a former American football player who competed for the UTSA Roadrunners football team from 2012 to 2015. Morgan played as a tight end and was considered one of the best at his position in Conference USA during his time with the Roadrunners. During his senior year in 2015, Morgan was named to the All-Conference USA First ... -
UTSA Roadrunners women’s basketball team wins the Conference USA championship
In 2017: The UTSA Roadrunners women’s basketball team wins the Conference USA championship and makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance, losing in the first round to Baylor.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
UTSA Roadrunners History
The UTSA Roadrunners represent the University of Texas at San Antonio and have rapidly grown their identity in NCAA athletics. Since beginning athletic competition in 1981 and moving to NCAA Division I in 1983, the UTSA Roadrunners have become known for their energetic spirit, especially in matchups with rival schools like Texas State and North Texas.
The UTSA Roadrunners football program is relatively young but has made swift strides. It played its first season in 2011 as an FCS independent before moving to FBS in 2012. UTSA then joined Conference USA in 2013, and most recently moved into the American Athletic Conference in 2023. Under head coach Jeff Traylor, the football UTSA Roadrunners have won multiple conference titles, including back‐to‐back CUSA championships in 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, UTSA Roadrunners basketball has built its own legacy of success. The men's basketball team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament several times (1988, 1999, 2004, 2011) and has captured multiple Southland Conference tournament titles. The men also secured their first NCAA Tournament win in 2011 and regular season conference titles in both Southland and Trans America Athletic Conference.
In addition to football and basketball, the UTSA Roadrunners baseball program has been growing steadily. Although not yet as decorated, the baseball team has made NCAA Regional appearances and developed players who have received conference honors. UTSA baseball contributes to the broader athletic profile of the institution, supporting the Roadrunners’ reputation as a competitive program across sports.
The university has also emphasized academics, community involvement, and facility upgrades. The UTSA Roadrunners compete in the Alamodome for football and use the Convocation Center for basketball, offering modern facilities that help recruiting. These improvements help the UTSA Roadrunners maintain upward momentum in both football UTSA Roadrunners and UTSA Roadrunners baseball.
Achievements of the Roadrunners
In football UTSA Roadrunners, the team has captured two Conference USA championships (2021, 2022), won a division title, and posted multiple bowl game appearances, including wins in recent seasons such as the 2023 Frisco Bowl.
For UTSA Roadrunners basketball, the men’s team has reached the NCAA Tournament multiple times, earned its first NCAA postseason win in 2011, and won several conference tournament and regular season championships. The women’s basketball program has also made NCAA Tournament appearances and captured conference tournament titles. These successes demonstrate the depth of competitiveness across UTSA’s sports programs.
