---
Cast Your Vote for the Top Performer at the 2024 Hamline Elite Meet!
Who do you think stood out the most at this year's event? Was it an outstanding sprinter, a record-breaking distance runner, or perhaps a field event athlete who dominated their competition? Your vote counts! Choose the athlete you believe deserves the title of Top Performer and let's celebrate their achievements together!
But first, let's check out the candidates and their accomplishments.
---
Dwyne Smith Jr.
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.
Claire Kohler
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.
Robert Mechura
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.
Brian Schloeder
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.
Emma Kvant
STMA's Emma Kvant made a stunning impact at the 2024 Hamline Elite Meet, winning the girls' 400m with a record-breaking time of 54.32. This phenomenal performance not only secured her victory but 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.
---