Meachem leads Malverne track

Senior Christopher Meachem is a runner Malverne boys’ track and field coach Kito Lockwood has been able to consistently rely on over the past four years.

This spring, Meachem has made the most of his last season representing the Mules, putting together an impressive few final months, which has included a Nassau County Class A 400-meter dash title.

“Chris has been phenomenal all of this year and his entire career,” Lockwood said. “He’s not just a great athlete, but is also a scholar. He is just a really well-rounded kid. You rarely see someone with his type of talent and athletic ability have the work ethic that he does. He has been almost like a machine. I’ve enjoyed getting to watch him over four years, and it’s been a pleasure to have an opportunity to coach a kid like this.”

Lockwood attributes much of Meachem’s development as a runner during his high school career to his fellow coaches, including the late Colbert Britt. He also gives plenty of credit to Oinx Salva, who joined the Mules coaching staff two years ago. 

“You can see the immediate results from the training Oinx has put Christopher through, as well as the rest of the track team,” Lockwood said.

Meachem has been the brightest star for Malverne this spring, but there have been several other standouts on the squad as well. Maurice Teachey Jr., who also plays for Lockwood on the school’s football team, secured a third-place finish in the Nassau Class A 200-meter dash. According to Lockwood, Teachey Jr. seems poised to follow in Meachem’s steps as the program’s next great runner. 

“It’s been kind of a luxury for him, having a kid like Chris to show him the ropes. Practice is almost like track meets for us, when these two guys going head-to-head,” Lockwood said. “He was very competitive in the 200 meter and the 400 meter races, and can be considered a strong sprinter and long distance runner. He’s been a great addition. And the great thing is he’s returning next year, so he can only get better.”

Meachem and Teachey Jr. have also both had success in a team event format. The Mules 4x400 relay squad, which has consistently featured the two runners along with senior Ian Foley, finished third at counties, and in first at the Section VIII state qualifying meet last Friday. Meachem also took the 400 meters that day. 

“The four-by-four team has been a roller coaster,” Lockwood said. “We’ve managed to have three strong legs consistently the past two years. Christopher, Maurice and Ian are great individually, and also were able to really embrace the teamwork as far as the relay race was concerned.” 

Multiple Mules have had chances to fill the fourth spot on the relay team. At state qualifiers, it was eighth-grader Rashard Teachey, Maurice’s younger brother, who stepped up to help the group come away with the top finishing time. 

“The relay team has been a dream story, and we just hope it carries on through the state qualification,” Lockwood said.