Bethel Park High School has named senior Tommy Bruney its April 2026 Rotary Student of the Month, recognizing his ability to excel academically, athletically, and in competitive BMX racing while maintaining strong community ties.
Bruney, son of Tom and Nikki Bruney, maintains a 4.1 weighted GPA while training six days a week for BMX racing—a sport he's pursued since age 4. His dedication paid off in March when he won the USA Cycling National Championship in the Jr. Men Class in South Carolina.
In BMX racing, competitors sprint from a start gate on a tall hill, battling for the "holeshot"—first position into the first turn—in races lasting 30 to 45 seconds. Riders compete in heats of eight, with the top four advancing to subsequent rounds.
"My mentality of training and always aiming for perfection is a big advantage," Bruney said. "Ever since we started traveling a lot for racing, my parents have made clear that school comes first. It has taught me discipline and the ability to know that hard work pays off."
The skills Bruney develops on his bike translate directly to the lacrosse field, where he plays defense for the Black Hawks. "Explosiveness from BMX transfers to lacrosse," he explained.
Bruney spends several hours on his bike daily, balancing rigorous training with his responsibilities as a National Honor Society member and student. To fund his racing travel, he operates a lawn-mowing business.
His ultimate goal? Competing in the Olympics, where BMX is now an official sport.
“Representing the United States in the Olympics would be awesome, but it is still a long way off,” he said.
When he's not racing or studying, Bruney finds relaxation fishing with his younger sister, Peyton, a seventh-grader at Independence Middle School who also races BMX. "Fishing is very relaxing and I need that," he said.
Bruney also mentors young aspiring BMX riders for free, emphasizing that "mentality is everything."
He's still weighing college options among Pitt, Penn State, and South Florida. USF holds a particular appeal because it's near some of the best BMX tracks in the country. He's considering majoring in mechanical engineering or finance.
"I don't know if anyone is a huge fan of math, but I am good at it, and I think that will pay off," Bruney said.
His racing journey began with his father and grandfather, who took him to his first races as a young child. While his parents remain supportive, Bruney has become the family expert on the sport. “They still offer their thoughts on what they’re seeing, and I definitely appreciate their insights,” he said. “However, I’m the one out there competing, and I have been doing this for long enough that I usually have a pretty good feel for what’s happening out there.”
Through BMX, lacrosse, academics, and mentorship, Bruney exemplifies the balance and discipline that define successful student-athletes—qualities that will serve him well whether he's competing on the Olympic stage or pursuing his academic goals.