A University of Pittsburgh freshman, Heather Seitz chooses to attend classes at both the Oakland and Greensburg campuses.

To most students, the Oakland campus has more to offer. But for Ms. Seitz, 19, trips to Westmoreland County present an opportunity that Oakland does not -- good fly fishing.

Ms. Seitz, who competes in international fly fishing events, drives 45 minutes from her home in Hampton to classes at Pitt-Greensburg.

While making her course schedule, she allotted herself about a three-hour break so she could venture to Laurel Hill Creek and other well-stocked waterways fairly close to the campus.

That is an indication of the passion Ms. Seitz has for fly fishing. Not only does she go into the water whenever possible, she spends a lot of time talking about the sport and promoting it at presentations throughout Western Pennsylvania.

"Her first passion is fly fishing. Her second passion is sharing it," said her father, Bob Seitz, who got her started in fishing when she was 4, but admits her capabilities have far surpassed his.

She had given presentations in Upper St. Clair and Cheswick before appearing at Oakmont Presbyterian Church last week, speaking to an audience of various ages.

"I always look forward to speaking to people who have the same interest and passion about fly fishing as I do," Ms. Seitz said. "I want to get the word out that there is youth fishing.

"I hope to parlay this into a career someday, and try to get programs set up for youths and working on the conservation aspect of it."

During presentations, she displays different casts and techniques, answers questions and shows pictures from competitions that have taken her around the country, from North Carolina to Colorado.

Her love of fly fishing is about to take her even farther. She is the captain of the Number 2 Junior World Fly Fishing Team, which will compete in Penacova, Portugal, on Aug. 9.

Though she is virtually on the team, Ms. Seitz has to participate in tryouts May 9-11 at Lock Haven University.

It will be the first time she will have competed out of the country. The expense will be somewhat formidable, as fly fishers pay their own way to competitions, including lodging and entry fees.

"It's addictive, but it's an expensive addiction," Ms. Seitz said.

"I was fortunate to know by the time I was 15 years old what my passion was. No matter where I go or what I do, I will always have it to come back to."

Last year, fly fishers from around the world came to Pennsylvania. State College played host to the World Championships.

Ms. Seitz lived in State College from age 4 to 14, and took advantage of, arguably, some of the best fly fishing on the East Coast. Before last year's competition, she returned to that area to practice for more than two weeks.

"It was the first time the world championships were on U.S. soil and it was just a great area, especially for fly fishing," Ms. Seitz said.

"State College was exceptional because they stock different places. They also have naturally reproducing streams."

Friends on the Pitt-Greensburg campus are always asking about the fishing rods in her car. She takes some of them to a stream and teaches them how to fly fish.

"They see the rods and know I fish, but maybe not to the extent that I am doing it," Ms. Seitz said.

"I always have an extra rod and I can get them casting in about a half-hour. They think it's really cool and challenging."

While the Greensburg area offers good fly fishing, Ms. Seitz said there are even better locations near other campuses. She plans to transfer from Pitt after she completes her prerequisites in another year.

Ms. Seitz hopes to attend Penn State or the University of Montana and plans to study business and forestry.

Not only is Ms. Seitz the only female on the Junior World team, she is in a small minority in competitions -- even international events. She enjoys teaching fly fishing to youths, especially interested females.

"Honestly, I am used to being the only girl," she said. "There just aren't that many girls in the sport.

"I like competing with all the guys and having them on my team. Sometimes, it's like having 14 brothers. They all look after me."