Brown Shatters Two Pima School Records, Leading Track & Field to Third Consecutive Region I Championship

The Pima Community College men’s track & field team celebrated a remarkable achievement on Thursday, securing their third consecutive Region I championship and their fourth title in five years. The No. 6-ranked Aztecs amassed a record total of 298 points, decisively outperforming Mesa Community College with 171 points and Central Arizona College with 151.

Freshman Connor Grusendorf from Mica Mountain High School was a standout performer, clinching his second Region I title in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 15:09.17. This victory followed his earlier triumph in the 10,000-meter race. Grusendorf also showcased his versatility by finishing third in the 1,500 meters, contributing a total of 26 points to his team’s score.

Another remarkable athlete, freshman Taylor Brown, set two new Pima school records. He finished second in the 200 meters with a time of 21.02 seconds, breaking his previous record of 21.11. Brown also improved his 400-meter record, finishing second at 46.55 seconds, surpassing his prior mark of 46.65 seconds. His efforts earned the Aztecs 16 crucial points.

Moreover, freshman Jake Applegate matched Brown’s point total, securing second place in both the 110-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles, with times of 14.63 and 52.57 seconds, respectively. Sophomore Nathaniel Curtiss contributed significant points as well, earning eight for his second-place finish in the high jump, recording a mark of 2.02 meters (6 feet, 7.5 inches).

Similarly, freshman Isaiah Jordan excelled in the triple jump, finishing second with a mark of 14.75 meters (48 feet, 4.75 inches). Sophomore Darlington Onsarigo followed closely, taking third place in the same event at 14.61 meters (47 feet, 11.25 inches) for an additional six points. Freshman Vernon Price added another six points with a third-place finish in high jump, clearing 1.92 meters (6 feet, 3.5 inches).

In total, freshman Cedric Cade amassed 32 points throughout the competition, earning him the title of Male Field Athlete of the Conference and Region. Other notable finishes contributing to the team’s impressive score included Tayvien Biancuzzo’s fourth-place run in the 800 meters and multiple competitive finishes in jumping and throwing events, demonstrating the depth of talent on the Aztecs roster.

The Aztecs are set to take their talents to the NJCAA Division I National Championships from May 15-17 at Gowan Stadium in Hutchinson, Kansas, where they aim to continue their successful season.