Heart pounding, P.J. Benedictus looked down at the note in his sock that laid out his goals. Moments later, he accomplished the biggest one.

The Renton High junior leapt a distance of 49 feet, 3/4 inches to win the 3A state triple-jump title May 29 at Mount Tahoma Stadium.

“When I came to the board, my heart was pounding,” Benedictus said. “I was so nervous because it was state.”

Benedictus left little doubt about the competition. He covered distances of 47-10 and 47-8 in his final two jumps – both would have also won the state title. Even at that point, it still hadn’t quite sunk in for him.

“It didn’t seem real at first,” he said. “But once you get the medal on the podium, it just hits you.”

A back injury slowed Benedictus earlier this season. After jumping 47-3 1/2 at the University of Washington Open Meet Feb. 14, he didn’t top 46-5 again until state. His coaches made a slight adjustment to his runway placement the week before the state meet, allowing him to enter his jumps with more speed and helping him to jump his personal best.

Benedictus also had a budding rivalry with Kennedy Catholic junior Darian Brooks to motivate him. Benedictus beat Brooks in the triple jump at a dual meet April 1, but Brooks bounced back to win at the Seamount League meet and districts. Brooks finished second at the state meet.

“I had that mentality that I had to beat him,” Benedictus said. “He kind of fueled my energy.”

Benedictus, who is 6-foot-2, also plays football for Renton. He competes year-round with the Flying A.J.’s, a club track and field team.

He has already started receiving college letters and has four top options so far: Boise State, Colorado State, UCLA and USC.