Catawba County high school football coach arrested: What we know

MAIDEN, N.C. (WBTV) - The head coach of a high school football team in Catawba County was arrested and charged with DWI and other offenses over the weekend.

Catawba County Schools confirmed that Maiden High School coach and PE teacher Will Byrne self-reported his arrest to the district.

The district said Byrne was immediately suspended with pay from his teaching position on Oct. 26. He also reportedly resigned from his role as the head football coach, and cited health reasons.

Court records revealed Byrne was arrested in Cleveland County shortly after midnight on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The 43-year-old was subsequently charged with:

• Driving while impaired
• Reckless driving to endanger
• Misdemeanor child abuse

An arrest warrant indicated the child abuse charge was brought because a child was in the vehicle while Byrne was allegedly impaired.

Online court records showed Byrne registered 0.19 BAC when a breath test was administered.

Byrne was released from custody after he posted a $2,500 bond.

“Catawba County Schools takes these charges seriously and expects employees to exercise sound judgment consistent with their responsibilities as educators and role models,” the district said in a statement.

The district said Justin Hawn -- who was already on the football staff -- will serve as interim head coach.

Through the first nine games of the 2026 season, Maiden High School posted a 4-5 record. The team will play its regular-season finale this Friday, Oct. 30, against Newton-Conover.

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