JACKSON TWP — P.J. Blinn is a big believer in effort — and consistency.

"I kind of figured you get what you put into something," said Blinn, a Seneca Valley senior who has been among the top sprinters in the WPIAL this season.

"Consistency just seems to come easily. We've done a lot of invitationals and playoff meets, and I keep putting up the same times.

"I hope to keep myself consistent for two more meets," Blinn added.

Those would be the WPIAL Class AAA Track and Field Championships, which will be held Thursday at Baldwin High, followed by the state championships May 28 and 29 at Shippensburg University.

Blinn has had a sterling season, winning the 100-meter dash title at the Butler, Mars and Baldwin invitationals. He also edged Penn Hills' Brandon Ifill, a Pitt football recruit, at Baldwin

Another highlight was tying the school record in the event with a time of 10.8 seconds, a mark shared with Dan Swingle, who set the standard in 1982.

"Blinn has a great work ethic and determination," said Raiders coach Ray Peaco. "He knows what he has to do and he goes out and does it.

He does what he needs to do for the team. He'll raise his hand and say, 'I'll run the 100, 200, 400, 400 relay, 1,600 relay,' whatever. He doesn't save himself," the coach added.

Blinn, who will run track at Lafayette College next spring, finished third in the WPIAL Championships last year with a time of 11.22. He didn't fare so well at the PIAA meet, but became determined to continue his progression.

"He started last summer with our sprint coach (Gar Bercury) and put in a lot of extra time. He had a goal in mind," said Peaco.

"I ran with our summer track team," said Blinn. "Before indoor track season started in December, Hunter (Williams) and I worked in October and November with (Bercury), and we had before- and after-school workouts."

Peaco saw Blinn's performances in the 60-meter dash indoors and realized he was poised for a huge season.

'You could sense something special," Peaco noted.

In the 100, Blinn's time has been matched by Ifill, Pedro Garcia of Highlands and Josh McFrazer of New Brighton.

Blinn achieved his as a hand-held time in a 77-73 dual-meet victory against Butler.

"Whether he can do a 10.8 on a (Fully Automated Timing) system, I don't know," said Peaco.

Blinn also qualified with the 400 and 1,600 relay teams. He passed on qualifying in the 200 because he wanted to be part of the two relays.

He is joined by Evan Hetzel, Forest Barnes and Andrew Kriley in the 400 relay and Dave Mellon, Michael Hughes and Williams in the 1,600 relay.

With the WPIAL meet closing in fast, Blinn is trying to take care of things only he can control.

"I think (the 100) is going to be a close one," said Blinn. "It's a talented field. I'll do what I need to do. Run my own race. If I run as well as I can, I should be in good shape."