Minnesota State Track and Field Meet 2013

This weekend the best track and field athletes competed on the stage at Klas Field on the Hamline University campus in the 2013 MSHSL State Track and Field Meet.  We watched athletes realize their dreams on the track, in the pit and on the field, cheered on by a great crowd.  There are also stories that come from behind the scenes, seen by a handful of spectators, but all part of the story.  Here are just a few of our observations from the weekend.

STATE TRACK AND FIELD MEET: Esko’s Marisa Shady collapsed in a heap after crossing the finish line of her first of three relays Saturday, the second day of the Minnesota high school track and field state meet at Hamline University. (via www.duluthnewstribune.com)

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - The finish line was a busy place today at Hamline University where champions were once again crowned at the Minnesota State Track and Field meet. (via www.wday.com)

The first place girls state track and field trophy will reside at Warroad High School, not with Deidre Hahn. “But there’s a spot in the trophy for a photo,” coach Alan Rybolt said. “And the picture will be one little girl.” (via www.grandforksherald.com)

ST. PAUL — It was a banner opening day Friday for several area boys as the 2013 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) track and field state meet got underway at Hamline University. (via www.dglobe.com)

Richfield junior Obsa Ali broke the state meet record in the 3,200-meter run Friday, but he had plenty of company. (via TwinCities.com)

Ten girls qualified for the final round of the Class 2A girls discus competition at the high school track and field state meet, but Maggie Ewen had only one real competitor: herself. (via TwinCities.com)

                                          ST. PAUL — It’s safe to say Tyler Beehler left it all on the track … and on the infield, and in the garbage pail, and behind the medal stand.    

ST. PAUL — Josh Lieberg relaxed for a change and it paid off with another podium finish for the Sartell senior in the long jump.(via www.sctimes.com)

ST. PAUL — It was such a rare moment, coaches from Milaca and Foley thought it should be photographed for posterity’s sake. (via www.sctimes.com)

ST. PAUL — Kaija Crowe stood gasping with her hands on her hips waiting to take her last jump at 5 feet, 2 inches. (via www.sctimes.com)

Clare Flanagan took a quick look over her left shoulder and didn’t like what she saw. Emi Trost of Cannon Falls was closing in on the Blake junior, as they took the first turn of the final lap of Saturday’s Class 1A 1,600-meter final.  (via Minnesota Track Hub | MN High School Track)

Eli Krahn, of Stillwater, MN has just set the freshman national record for 1600 meters, running 4:09.38 on June 8th at the Minnesota State Meet.  He's the new kid on the block, but who is Eli Krahn?  He comes from a high school that has a history of strong distance running.  In the late '90s, the Stillwater Cross Country team was so good, they were selected by USA Today/Harrier poll as the No. 1 team in the country and were given the nickname, "The magnificent seven."  Justin Britton was able to interview Krahn and give us a better insight about the next... (via FloTrack)