Hartselle High School junior Tiffany Pittman is one of the few high school athletes that compete in two sports at the same time while maintaining an A-plus average in Advanced Placement classes.

Pittman is a member of the swim team and cross-country team and excels in both even though she is unable to participate in every practice and competition because of schedule conflicts.

Tiffany Pittman pulls double duty as a Hartselle High School athlete, swimming and running with the cross-country track team. | Special to the Enquirer

As a member of the cross-country team, she has consistently finished as one of Hartselle’s top five female runners. She also received recognition as an elite runner at the Pepsi XC Challenge on Sept. 1. She will also compete at the sectional meet in Florence on Nov. 2. This event consists of the top 10 runners from each high school team.

In swimming, Pittman has emerged as a leading competitor. In three meets, she has competed in five different individual events and qualified for the State Championships in each event. These events are the 200 individual medley, 200 freestyle, 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. In addition, she has set new school records in the 200 IM, (2:29.69), 200 freestyle (2:09.61), 100 freestyle (58:07), and 100 breaststroke (1:14.70).

As a student athlete, Pittman has to juggle responsibilities into a crowded schedule. She is enrolled in all Advanced-Placement classes and maintains a 4.13 GPA. She is also enrolled in the EDGE Student Leadership Program, sponsored by the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. Her practice schedule involves driving to Huntsville on a daily basis for swim practice.

Pittman admits that competing in two sports at the same time has been more difficult than she imagined; however, she said she has enjoyed getting to know other students that she doesn’t normally get to see.

“I enjoy being busy and the challenge of achieving my best,” Pittman said. “I’m always pushing the limits to make my best get better.”