Malachi Taylor ends senior season as NYS 400m Champion

Washingtonville senior Malachi Taylor finished his high school track career on top. At the New York State Track and Field Championships last weekend, Malachi clinched the title of 400m State Champion with a record-breaking time of 46.98 seconds.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “When you put your mind to something and get it done, it really feels good.”

Malachi, who helped Washingtonville win a state title in the 4x4 relay as a sophomore, had set his sights on winning the individual title for his senior season. He’d previously run a 47.67, but was determined to crack 46. Hitting that mark in his final season wasn’t just a goal, but a dream come true. 

The win was also a testament to his growth. After not qualifying for states last season, Malachi focused on training his mindset as much as his body.

“I was nervous,” he admitted. “But once I got in the blocks, I felt good. I knew the race would go well.”

That same mindset will carry him to the New Balance Nationals, where he’ll be competing in the 4x4 for a chance to earn All-American status.
 
This fall, Malachi will attend the University at Buffalo on a track scholarship and plans to study business. He still hopes to one day open a sports training center for kids, an idea that combines his athletic drive with his entrepreneurial spirit.

“Malachi is simply one of the greatest athletes Washingtonville has ever produced,” Michael White, WHS track and field coach, said. “His times speak for themselves, and he leaves a legacy as the greatest sprinter in Wizard history. He also holds the all-time #4 spot in Section 9 at 400 meters. But more than that, he’s a great leader, a dependable teammate and a mentor to younger athletes. His presence on the team will be greatly missed.”

To those just getting started in track, Malachi offers this advice: “If you’re not good at first, don’t give up. You can always get better. Just train, put in the work and trust God.”

Read more about Malachi and his achievements in basketball earlier this year here!

Malachi’s victory capped off a standout weekend for the Washingtonville track and field team, with several athletes setting school records and achieving personal bests:

4x400m Relay: 2nd place – Johnny Kosowicz, Cameron Snyder, Gavin Rich, Malachi Taylor (split 46.24, fastest in NYS this year) with a time of 3:16.55.

400m: 4th place – Cameron Snyder, 48.08 (fastest junior time in NYS).

800m: 8th place – Alexis Jones, 2:10.72 (New School Record).

1500m: 9th place – Alexis Jones, 4:32.28 (New School Record).

4x800m Relay: 10th place – Lila Sinacori, Olivia DeCarvalho, Sydney Lozza, Alexis Jones, 9:22.30.

Pentathlon: 18th place – Kenixander Vermenton, 3027 points (2nd best 10th grader in NYS).

2000m Steeplechase: 19th place – Olivia DeCarvalho, 7:22.57.

3200m: 27th place – Joe Mullan, 9:26.32 (Personal best by 7 seconds).

Pentathlon: 29th place – Avery Flynn, 2559 points (Best freshman finisher, personal best by 229 points).