The Longest Yard - Colitis Kills UBC Football Players Dream

The Longest Yard

Colitis kills Scott Salling's football dream but opens window to new world of fitness

By Monte Stewart - IMPACT Magazine

Scott Salling thought he was dying – but his new life was just beginning.

A college football star at UBC and a budding pro athlete, Salling fell ill during a 2008-2009 season while trying out with the Canadian Football League’s B.C. Lions.

Salling’s weight dropped rapidly from 200 to 130 pounds, ending his dream of playing pro football. But, ultimately, the setback turned him to a career in fitness where he helps others reach their health goals.

Salling was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a debilitating inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum. He was prescribed several medications, including Prednisone, a common corticosteroid. But his health wasn’t improving and the only demonstrable results after several months were hair loss and a severe case of acne. So Salling told doctors he wanted his colon removed.

First, Salling, had to boost his weight and iron levels. He hit the gym, but could barely lift a bar with no weights – this from an athlete who could once bench press 310 pounds.

Following a modest improvement in his condition, Salling had his colon removed on Dec. 23, 2010.

“It was a risky move,” says Salling. “I think a lot of people are just scared to do it, which I understand. I guess it was desperation to get healthy that prompted me to do it.”

Due to infection and other complications, he underwent two more surgical procedures. Then it was back to the gym.

“I personally always had faith I was going to beat (colitis).”

Steadily, he increased his bench press loads and saw his aerobic capacity improve.

“It was almost like this momentum was gathering,” he says. “Every week, I got stronger. Every week, I got better.”

Salling became a certified personal fitness trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and sports nutritionist. Since his recovery, Salling has been working in the health and fitness industry since 2010. After having worked for accredited business within the fitness industry as a programmer, personal trainer, and strength and conditioning coach, Scott ventured out on his own in 2016 to launch F.I.T. Academy in his hometown of Port Coquitlam. Aged 14 to 80, Salling has a wide variety of clients that range from doctor’s, lawyers, teachers, physiotherapists, as well individuals in the tech industry whom of which work for company’s such as Amazon and Apple. However, Salling still loves to train athletes, and says that, “My heart will always beat for athletics. Helping young athletes develop, not only as players, but as upstanding citizens of their respective communities has always been a passion of mine. It is the message I was taught by my parents and coaches that I must pay forward.”

F.I.T. Academy athletes also compete in various sports, including soccer, hockey, baseball and basketball – but none play football. “It’s just the way it has worked out,” Salling states, “The last sport I played competitively was football. So, I do understand that is the sport that I will likely be remembered for. But, the truth is I played 4 sports competitively growing up. Baseball, Basketball, Hockey and Soccer all taught me different lessons, and I was in love with all of them in completely different ways.” Salling is also an avid lover of music, and has a been playing guitar since the age of 16.

When asked if Scott would ever consider coaching he replied, “Anything is possible. I would never rule anything out, but, for now, my focus is on developing the vision of F.I.T. Academy.”

Initially, Salling hid his illness from family, friends and former teammates and coaches. But now he shares his story to help others tackle their medical challenges and achieve their fitness goals, “If I could go back and be completely transparent with everyone, I would, but, we all know that is not possible. It’s a lesson I have learned, and one that I carry with me to this day.” Tattoos on his chest of a Koi fish, which symbolizes adversity, and another that says humility and a scar on his mid-section commemorate the challenges he has overcome.

“It’s definitely opened my eyes to what I want to do – without any question,” says Salling. “I believe that through the pain, and recovery process I’ve found, my way of giving back and helping our industry, as well as our communities.”