JAMES ZIGLER RETURNS TO CALL THE SPECIAL TEAMS IN 2025

The Erie Express are pleased to announce James Zigler Sr. as our new Special Teams Coordinator for the 2025 season. James begins his fifth season with the Express. This will be James second season in a coaching capacity after having played three amazing seasons for us.

James did an amazing job for us last season and played a major role in our 2024 TPFL Championship game appearance. We finished the season 11-2 and received an invite to the I-75 Pro Advancement Bowl (3-6 loss against the Sheboygan County Sabercats).

We also accepted the invite on January 18th to compete for a National Championship against the defending National Champion; Indy Bison in the USA Bowl in Daytona, FL. (0-41 Loss) James played a major role in those team accolades as well!

James has shown the same commitment coaching that he did playing. He is always striving to get the best out of our players and that was exactly what he delivered as a player.

James first season in an Express uniform turned out to be an amazing one as he helped lead the way to our first ever GDFL National Championship. For his efforts that season James was named Erie Express Teammate of the Year by his coaches and teammates.

In January of 2022 we were crowned USA Bowl Summer Division National Champions, won our Division for the fourth year in a row and qualified for the GDFL National Playoffs for the seventh year in a row. In January of 2023 we again headed to Daytona Beach, FL to face the Minneapolis Warriors in the USA Bowl Summer Division National Championship Game (lost 17-20). The above mentioned team accolades, James had a direct hand in making possible.

James is a graduate of Erie Central Tech, HS. While playing for the Falcons, James was a three year starter and letter winner and was also named Co Captain. James coaches for Trojan Youth Athletics, and has been in coaching and performance training for the last 4 yrs. Zigler owns a perfect 3-0 record as an MMA fighter as well.

James has played professionally indoors for the Pittsburg Riverrats of the AIFL.

James has been coaching and training area youth for the past 10 years. Along that time he has served in many capacities OC,DC,STC and head coach. Coach Zigler has multiple championships as a coach and players so winning is what he is accustomed to doing.

In 2023 James helped to start the Junior Express Youth Football Team located at the Erie Sports Center. James serves as the Technical Director forthe Erie Sports Center Football Academy.

"James is a student of the game. He is always looking for ways to help our players reach their full potential. He has spearheaded our OTA;'s this off season and our guys appreciate his hard work and commitment. We could not be happier with the job he has done and we are expecting another great season from the players under his guidance."-Director of Operations Paul Pennington

Welcome back on board the PAINTRAIN Coach Z! GO EXPRESS!