Queensbury Irion Invitational
In steady rain and chilly 47-degree temperatures, the Emma Willard Jesters showed resilience and determination at the 2026 Queensbury Irion Invitational. Battling wet conditions throughout the day, the Jesters competed with grit and composure, highlighted by several strong individual performances.

Emma Willard was led by an outstanding distance performance from Sky P. ’29, who placed third in the 1500 meters with a personal record of 5:04.49. Sky’s podium finish stood out as she powered through the cold and rain against a competitive field.

The Jesters showed depth in the middle-distance events as Francesca T. ’28 finished 9th in the 800 meters (2:34.93), followed closely by Sky P. ’29 in 14th (2:37.46). Vivian T. ’28 also competed in the event, clocking 2:46.99, and later returned in the 400 meters (1:07.59), demonstrating versatility in tough conditions.

Francesca T. ’28 doubled back in the 1500 meters, finishing 17th (5:34.30), while Vivian T. ’28 added a 5:44.34 effort in the same race.

In the longer distance events, Abbe A. ’26 competed in both the 3000 meters (13:05.17, 15th) and the 2000m steeplechase (9:56.45, 25th), showing endurance and determination on a wet and demanding course.

On the track, Simi A. ’26 finished with an 8th-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles (1:16.63). She also ran 29.44 in the 200 meters and 18.22 in the 100-meter hurdles prelims. Teammates Hazel L. ’27 (18.11) and Alex B. ’28 (20.37) also competed in the hurdles, with both adding efforts in the 200 meters at 29.99 and 32.89, respectively.

In the field events, Violet K. ’27 led the Jesters with a 17th-place finish in the long jump (14-02.25), navigating a slick runway made difficult by the weather.

Emma Willard athletes also competed in the Outdoor Pentathlon, where Zoe A. ’26 placed 15th overall (1673 points). Her performances included 20.66 in the 100m hurdles, 7.36m in the shot put, 3.69m in the long jump, 1.27m in the high jump, and 2:51.61 in the 800 meters. Bowe S. ’28 also gained valuable experience competing across events, and recorded a personal record in the high jump with a jump of 3’10”.

Despite the cold, rain-soaked conditions, the Jesters embraced the challenge and delivered a strong showing. With a podium finish and contributions across multiple events, Emma Willard demonstrated toughness and competitive spirit as the season continues.

---

Waterford High School Meet
Emma Willard’s track and field team took on one of the toughest meets of the season, facing defending league champions Tamarac–Hoosick Falls, second-place Waterford, and Saratoga Catholic. The meet was held at Waterford High School on May 5, 2026.  In a highly competitive tri-meet, the Jesters earned a victory over Saratoga Catholic while falling to two of the league’s top programs, continuing to build momentum as the postseason approaches.

Emma Willard delivered an impressive day filled with personal records, state qualifiers, and standout performances across multiple events.

The highlight on the track came in the 800m run, where the Jesters swept the top three places in dominant fashion. Francesca T. ’28 led the way with a first-place finish in 2:38.94, followed closely by Sky P. ’29 in 2:40.47 and Vivian T. ’28 in 2:41.55. The team’s depth was on full display, with Marie Y. ’28 (3:14.14), Bella L. ’28 (3:19.81), and Bowe S. ’28 (3:23.93) all contributing strong efforts.

In the hurdles, Emma Willard had a breakthrough day. Hazel L. ’27 ran a personal record 17.27 in the 100m hurdles, qualifying for the NYS Section 2 State Qualifier and moving into 4th place all-time in Emma Willard history. Captain Simi A-H. ’26 followed with a season-best 17.29, also qualifying for the state qualifier meet. Teammates Bowe S. ’28 and Fayna M. ’28 added to the success with personal records of their own in the hurdles.

In the sprint events, Tani A. ’27 led the Jesters in the 200m dash with a time of 29.44, while other Emma Willard athletes continued to gain valuable experience competing in a deep field. The 400m group also showed continued development as the season progresses.

Emma Willard’s relay teams contributed important points, highlighted by a strong performance in the 4x800m relay and a 4x400m relay time of 4:47.81, showcasing the team’s balance between sprinting and distance events.

In the field events, the Jesters continued to make history. Shitong H. ’27 cleared a personal record 6’0” in the pole vault, earning 2nd place overall and moving to #2 all-time in Emma Willard history. In the throws, Lucy N. ’28 recorded a personal record of 83’ 8” in the discus, also earning 2nd place at the meet and continuing her steady progression. Violet K.  ’27 placed 2nd in the triple jump with an impressive 31' 7" jump. 

Overall, the meet demonstrated the Jesters’ depth, resilience, and continued improvement. Competing against the league’s top teams provided valuable experience, and the combination of state-qualifying performances, personal records, and dominant event finishes shows that Emma Willard is building momentum at the right time in the season.

With championship meets on the horizon, the Jesters are poised to continue their strong outdoor campaign.

Team Scores:
Emma Willard 97 vs. Saratoga Catholic 35
Emma Willard 65 vs. Waterford 74
Emma Willard 47 vs. Tamarac-Hoosick Falls 93

---

Greenwich High School Meet
Emma Willard’s track and field team continued its outstanding season, remaining undefeated in league competition after a commanding performance at the multi-team dual meet in Greenwich. Facing Greenwich Central, Cambridge-Salem, and Saratoga Catholic, the Jesters once again showcased their depth and consistency.

Emma Willard secured impressive team victories:

Emma Willard vs. Saratoga Catholic, 104.5–30.5
Emma Willard vs Central, 98–42
Emma Willard vs. Cambridge-Salem, 81–58

On the track, Sky P. ’29 delivered another epic performance, running a big personal record of 5:05.46 to win the 1500m, while also placing 2nd in the 800m (2:39.49). Her performances continue to elevate her as one of the league’s top distance runners.

The distance squad remained a major strength, as Emma Willard dominated the 3000m with Vivian T. ’28 winning (12:45.21) and Lillian H. ’27 placing 2nd (13:03.62). In the 800m, Francesca T. ’28 took 1st place (2:35.39), leading a strong showing from the middle-distance group.

In the sprints, Hazel L. ’27 had an exceptional day, setting personal records in all three of her events. She placed 2nd in the 100m (13.67) and 3rd in the 200m (28.95), while also contributing to the 4x100m relay team’s 2nd place finish. Her all-around performance was a key factor in the team’s success.

Simi A-H. ’26 continued her strong season with solid finishes in both hurdles events, placing 3rd in the 100m hurdles (17.67) and 3rd in the 400m hurdles (1:16.15) .

Relay teams played an important role as well. The 4x800m relay team of Marie Y. ’28, Abbe A-N. ’27, Nicole H. ’29, and Lillian H. ’27 captured 1st place, while both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays added valuable points with 2nd place finishes.

In the field events, Emma Willard athletes delivered standout performances:

Christine I-K. ’27 won the shot put (25’1.75”), leading a sweep with Zoe A-H. ’26 (2nd) and Lucy N. ’28 (3rd)
Lucy N. ’28 also won the discus with a personal record (83’1”)
In the triple jump, Emma Willard placed 2nd and 3rd, led by Fayna M. ’28 and Sofy M-I. ’29
A historic moment came in the pole vault, where Shitong H. ’27 cleared 5’6” to place 4th overall. Her performance marks the first time in eight years that an Emma Willard athlete has competed and placed in the pole vault since current school record holder, Lauren Berry ’18, which was an exciting milestone for the program.

Across the meet, Emma Willard’s depth and teamwork were on full display, with athletes contributing in every event group. From record-setting performances to historic milestones, the Jesters continue to build momentum.

With another undefeated showing in league competition, Emma Willard remains a force to be reckoned with as the postseason approaches.