MHS grad on the rise with Arizona track

Maricopa High School graduate Pjai Austin recently finished the indoor track season at University of Arizona, where he led the Wildcats in his three events.

A sophomore, Austin hit personal bests in the 60-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump. He had three wins in the long jump during the season.

His top time in the 60 was 6.73 at the NAU Friday Night Duels, where he came in seventh. His top time in the 200 was 21 seconds flat, good enough for second place at the Texas Tech Invite. His best long jump effort was 25 feet 3.5 inches (7.71 meters), a first-place finish at the Texas Tech Shootout on Valentine’s Day.

Austin graduated from MHS in 2018, when he still went by Phillip or P.J. and set the school record in the long jump. He was also a member of the 4×100 relay team that won gold at the state championships.

U of A is now preparing for the outdoor season, which begins March 20.