Highlights from a Stellar 2024 Hamline Elite Meet

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Despite the dreary weather at the 2024 Hamline Elite Meet, track and field's most elite athletes delivered a day of remarkable performances at the historic Klas Field. Braving the rain and cold, these athletes showcased their talent and determination, captivating the audience with their incredible feats.

Dwyne Smith Jr.'s outstanding performance at the 2024 Hamline Elite Meet not only solidified his status as one of Minnesota's greatest 400m runners but also arguably the best in state history. With a remarkable time of 46.93, Smith shattered the 17-year-old state record, previously held by Quinn Evans with 47.18, set in 2007. Smith's victory was dominant, finishing 1.58 seconds ahead of Jack Markstrom. This achievement marks a significant improvement over Smith's previous personal best of 47.55, establishing him as a standout in Minnesota track and field history.

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Emma Kvant Breaks All Sorts of Records

STMA's Emma Kvant made a stunning impact at the 2024 Hamline Elite Meet by winning the girls 400m with a record-breaking time of 54.32. Not only did this phenomenal performance secure her victory, but it also shattered multiple records. Kvant broke the Minnesota sophomore class record of 54.84, previously held by Vanessa Clarida, as well as the meet record of 54.98 set by Honour Finley. Additionally, she surpassed the facility record of 54.77 held by Paige Stratioti. Her time of 54.32 ranks tied for 24th nationally this outdoor season. Kvant's achievement not only showcased her exceptional talent and determination but also established her as a future star on the national stage. 

Minnetonka's Claire Kohler doubled up yet again at the Hamline Elite Meet, winning the 100m and 300m hurdles titles for the second year in a row. Kohler first dominated the 100m hurdles, winning with a wind-aided time of 14.32, beating out the runner-up by 0.38 seconds. She then went out and dominated further in the 300m hurdles, finishing with a time of 43.53, winning by over half a second. 

Kohler now ranks #1 in Minnesota for both events and still ranks as one of the tip hurdlers in state history. She currently ranks as the #6 100m hurdles runner all-time and the #10 300m hurdles runner with plenty of time to move up the all-time list during her senior season. 

Continuing his momentum from a strong cross country season that saw him break the state 5K record, Roseville's Robert Mechura narrowly beat the old 3200m meet record set by Mike Torchia in 2006 at the first Hamline Elite Meet. Mechura dominated the competition in tune to a winning time of 8:59.02, winning by over 10-seconds and winning his second Hamline 3200m in a row. His time beat Torchia's old meet record of 8:59.18. This was Mechura's first time running under 9-minutes for a pure 3200m race, but he has run 8:59.83 for the 2-mile race.

His time also put him ever so close to breaking the Minnesota boys junior class record for the 3200m, with him now ranking only behind Obsa Ali and Sam Scott. 

All-Time MN Junior Boys 3200m Times

Already one of the best pole vaulter in Minnesota state history, Brian Schloeder made some more history at the Hamline Elite Meet, winning with a mark of 15' 10" and setting a new meet and facility record. Schloeder dominated the competition, coming in at a height of 15' 1" and clearing that on his first attempt for the guaranteed win. He then went on to clear 15' 7" and 15' 10" on two attempts, before bowing out at 16' 5" on three attempts. 

In clearing 15' 10", Schloeder his previous meet and facility record of 15' 9" from last year. Schloeder earlier in the week had set a new Minnesota #2 all-time mark when he vaulted 16' 4" at the Rockford WCC Tri. This beat his old PR of 16 feet from last season. His mark of 16' 4" currently ranks tied for 22nd nationally this ourdoor season. 

All-Time MN Boys Pole Vault Marks