Brian Ziegler

Brian Ziegler is a church planter, author, evangelist, pastor and wheelchair rugby player based in Northeast Ohio. Ziegler was a star basketball player in high school. He averaged 25.0 points per game his senior year earning player of the year and numerous other awards. Upon graduation from Northwest High School in Canal Fulton, Ohio, he was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Edison State Community College.

After two years at Edison State, Ziegler was invited to join the University of Akron’s Men’s Basketball Team. Prior to the start of the 2001 season Ziegler was involved in a devastating car accident that ended his playing career forever.

As a result of the accident, Brian suffered a broken neck and was paralyzed from the chest down. He was diagnosed as a C-5 quadriplegic (meaning some paralysis in all four extremities.) Statistics show that patients with this type of injury only have a 10% probability of ever regaining the ability to walk again.

After one year of intensive therapy, Ziegler slowly regained the ability to walk. Ziegler has since climbed Machu Picchu in Peru and hiked 40 miles along the Appalachian Trail. He has also returned to the basketball court as a coach at his alma mater Northwest High School. Ziegler continues his love for sports while playing wheelchair rugby and golf. Brian still suffers from paralysis in over 50% of his body.

Ziegler earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University. He is passionate about planting churches, making disciples and sharing his story all around the world. Brian and his wife Suzie live in Massillon, Ohio with their two children Gage and Kaymen.