Carbon Monoxide Survivor · Author · Speaker
On Christmas Day 1992, a carbon monoxide accident took his mother, stepfather, and two older brothers, and left Wes comatose for five days with a flatline brain scan. By every measure, he shouldn't be here today. He is and his new book, When Life Changes the Game, is the story of what he's done with the time since.
"Life can break the strongest of people, but Wes Bruns refuses to break." Andrew Craig, President, Scott County Catholic School
Known to many as Coach Bruns, Wes has spent 34 years coaching basketball, cross country, and track in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, following in the footsteps of his Hall of Fame coach father. He's also a carbon monoxide survivor: on Christmas Day 1992, the same accident that took his mother, stepfather, and two older brothers left him comatose for five days with a flatline brain scan. He wasn't expected to make it. He has spent every year since drawing strength from that loss, on the sideline and in his family life.
Read His Full Story
When Life Changes the Game is Wes Bruns's memoir of survival, second chances, and the power of perseverance. Published by Streamline Books, it released August 20, 2026, launching with a signing at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is available now.
Guest speaker at the Daybreak Rotary Club breakfast, held at the Cedar Rapids Country Club.
Guest speaker at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary Club luncheon.
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