Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Patriot League Indoor Championships
Men's Track & Field Places Fourth at Patriot League Indoor Championships; Wade Shomper Wins Gold in the Shot Put
3/1/2026 8:55:00 PM | Men's Track and Field
BOSTON, Mass.- Bucknell men's track & field rode a school record, several medals, and numerous all-time top ten finishes, to fourth place in the Patriot League Indoor Championships. The Orange & Blue scored 61.5 points. Wade Shomper, competing in his final indoor championship, headlined Bucknell's efforts, twice resetting his school record and winning gold in the shot put.
Results
"Although, nobody is ever happy with fourth as a team, the Patriot League is now one of the better mid-major conferences nationally and we littered our all-time top 10 list with individual and relay performances," said head coach Kevin Donner. "We do recruit and structure our program for outdoor track & field and we have a very competitive schedule this year with some great meets that we are excited about."
Shomper reinforced his status as Bucknell's greatest shot put thrower. He broke 18 meters, a major goal, for the first time. He set the standard from his first attempt – a throw of 17.74m (58-2.50) – which immediately grabbed the lead. His second throw was a slight downgrade 17.01m (55-9.75) but he rebounded with his first school record breaking throw of 18.05m (59-2.75).
He entered the finals with two Army throwers ready to charge into first. After a throw of 17.45m (57-3), he uncorked a massive, record-breaking toss of 18.22m (59-9.50). His timing was perfect. Army's Matthew Palchak had just obtained an 18.18m (59-7.75) mark and passed Shomper. The Bison thrower did not flinch but used that toss to reclaim his throne. Palchak's final throw, which displayed promise, had Bison fans sweating but Orange & Blue fanatics relaxed after the mark of 17.71 (58-1.25) was measured out. Shomper had nothing to lose in his final attempt and while he did not top his previous efforts, he again crossed the 18-meter barrier (18.01m/59-1.25).
"Electric meet with great competitors pushing each other to push further," said Shomper. "Had to work for that indoor gold, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am looking forward to going outside."
The throws cage sizzled with electricity and frenzied fans pushing and pulsating. Braiden Pulver became one of the meet's folk heroes with his energy and exuberant celebrations. He had reason to cavort. Pulver finished fifth, throwing a personal record 57-0.25, and moved to second all-time at Bucknell. That mark arrived in his final attempt. Pulver called for the crowd to engage in a slow clap and he gave the people what they asked for with his impressive throw.
"The energy at Leagues is unmatched," said Pulver. "Coach Protzman and my teammates helped keep the energy high and helped keep the energy high and helped me get the big throws. From this Leagues, I have learned that my teammates and support system mean everything. Trusting in my coaching and my ability helped me do as well as I did."
Ryan Protzman has built the throws program into one of Bucknell's strongest sports. His men's shot put groups performed past the top two, a testament to his coaching.
"Our first flight men of Logan Newman and Alex Polenik set the tone," said Protzman. "Alex making the finals was huge. I knew if we could get three throwers in, we could control the energy. Wade and Braiden are officially the two best shot putters in Bucknell history. They are lifting partners, roommates, and good friends. Going to the top together has been the goal since day one this year. Both had huge PRs on the day they needed them. I love going to battle with those boys and I am grateful to coach this group!"
Bucknell jumps posted two silver results in the high jump and triple jump and supplied 16 points into Bucknell's coffers, enabling the Bison to pass Holy Cross for fourth place.
"The jumpers have put in an enormous amount of work this season," said jumps coach Kaitlin Salisbury. "Whether it was rehabbing an injury or fine-tuning a detail, we fought for everything both at this meet and in this season. We've still got plenty of work to do that I'm looking forward to putting on the track."
"I was really pleased with the Patriot League and indoor season performances for our jumpers," said volunteer coach Jim Sharp, who assists Salisbury with the group. It was the perfect culmination of focused work over the past six months and tremendous effort in competition."
Jeffrey Cianfrocca completed his indoor career with a personal record in the high jump. The senior cleared 6-9.50 and moved into a tie with David Laukus (1988) for sixth place all-time. Cianfrocca missed gold by one attempt. Navy's Sheldon Ulmer cleared the mark in his second try while Cianfrocca did not pass 6-9.50 until his third opportunity.
"I tried not to think too hard about the competition today," said Cianfrocca. "The coaches have prepared us well for this meet, so my approach today was to trust the work that we have put in and to stay confident and stay clean since attempts matter so much, especially at higher bars."
Cianfrocca finally broke through for a medal after a history of agonizing close calls.
"It feels awesome to come away with silver today," said Cianfrocca. "It has always been a goal to score in the top three and get a medal and after a couple of fourth place finishes over the last few years, I am really happy to finally stand on the podium and score some solid points for the team and the coaches."
Tristan McFarlane joined his teammate in helping Bucknell's cause. The sophomore cleared 6-3.25 for eighth place.
CJ Simbiri capped the successful weekend for his event group with silver in the triple jump. The sophomore set a new personal record, leaping 48-11.50 in his third attempt. He displayed a veteran consistency, landing 48+ feet on four attempts and never fouling once. His new mark improved upon his fifth-best standing at Bucknell.
"As I jumped, I just wanted to execute what I have been practicing with my coach," said Simbiri. "I was thinking the whole time, just attack because sometimes I leave some energy in the tank. I approached the triple today with a clear-headed focus on what I was trying to get out of it today to do my best and give all glory to Jesus."
Jared Hess also supplied points in the triple jump. The junior jumper landed 47-3 in his second attempt.
The relay teams finished fifth and sixth. The 4x400-meter relay team of Amani Brown, Nicholas Bouril, Ethan Fianko, and Preston Lubeski earned fifth, running 3:17.59. The distance medley relay squad of Carter Paul, Ethan Knight, Adam Dicken, and Henry Didden placed sixth, running a season-best 9:54.71. The time ranks fourth in Bucknell history.
The sprint group added points and top eight placements. Ethan Knight ran 8.35 in the 60-meter hurdles finals to slot sixth. Luke Petryna also placed sixth, running 6.92 in the 60-meter dash finals. Ethan Fianko ran 48.95 in the 400-meter dash finals to notch eighth.
The heptathlon ended Sunday with the pole vault and 1000-meter run. William Feddeler ran sixth in the 1000-meter run and placed ninth in the pole vault to finish ninth with 4556 points.
Grant Kern finished 17th in the 3000-meter run, tallying a time of 8:29.95.
Bucknell will rest and refuel for the upcoming outdoor season. The Bison open the outdoor campaign with a dual meet versus Binghamton on March 29.Â
Navy won the men's meet, followed by Army and Boston for second and third.Â
2026 Patriot League Indoor Track & Field Championships Major Awards
Men's Coaching Staff of the Year – Navy, Head Coach: Jamie Cook
Men's Rookie of the Meet – Zachary Cox, Boston University
Men's Highest Point Scorer – Joseph Mahon, Holy Cross
Men's Field Athlete of the Meet – Robby Manse, Army West Point
Men's Track Athlete of the Meet – Carver Morgan, American
Players Mentioned
