Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Jim Pierce
Wade Shomper Awarded Bison of the Week
3/2/2026 3:26:00 PM | Men's Track and Field
LEWISBURG, Pa.- Wade Shomper concluded his historic indoor track & field career with a spectacular performance at the Patriot League Championships on Sunday. The senior shot put star broke and then reset his school record in the event en route to winning gold. He became the first Bison since Jeff Brown in the 60-meter dash in 2020 to win a Patriot League individual event at the Indoor Championships. The feat earned him his second Bison of the Week for the 2025-26 academic calendar as announced Monday by the Bucknell Athletics Department.Â
Shomper flew past his previous mark of 17.86m (58-7.25) to establish a new personal record and Bucknell best of 18.22m (59-9.50). He originally broke the old mark in his third attempt of 18.05m (59-2.75), checking off a long term goal of eclipsing the 18-meter mark. The throw positioned him in the lead but Army's Matthew Palchak passed him with a toss of 18.18m (59-7.75) in the fifth round.Â
The Bison senior remained undaunted and two throws later reclaimed his rightful throne with his mighty heave of 18.22m. Palchak's sixth and final throw feel short of equaling or surpassing the Orange & Blue thrower. Shomper's last attempt did not breach the 60-foot mark but he and the Bucknell faithful celebrated the gold medal.Â
"Wade does everything he can to reach his full potential," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "He signed off an amazing indoor career with a new school record, and other big throws to back it up. I'm grateful Wade chose Bucknell, and I'm going to enjoy these last few months working with him."
Shomper has become Bucknell's Sovereign of the Shot Put. He owns the school record in both indoor and outdoor competition and has won two straight gold medals. His next goal is qualifying for the NCAA East First Round in outdoor track. He narrowly missed the honor last season.Â
The outdoor campaign begins on March 29 with a dual against Binghamton in the Battle of BUs.Â
Â
Shomper flew past his previous mark of 17.86m (58-7.25) to establish a new personal record and Bucknell best of 18.22m (59-9.50). He originally broke the old mark in his third attempt of 18.05m (59-2.75), checking off a long term goal of eclipsing the 18-meter mark. The throw positioned him in the lead but Army's Matthew Palchak passed him with a toss of 18.18m (59-7.75) in the fifth round.Â
The Bison senior remained undaunted and two throws later reclaimed his rightful throne with his mighty heave of 18.22m. Palchak's sixth and final throw feel short of equaling or surpassing the Orange & Blue thrower. Shomper's last attempt did not breach the 60-foot mark but he and the Bucknell faithful celebrated the gold medal.Â
"Wade does everything he can to reach his full potential," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "He signed off an amazing indoor career with a new school record, and other big throws to back it up. I'm grateful Wade chose Bucknell, and I'm going to enjoy these last few months working with him."
Shomper has become Bucknell's Sovereign of the Shot Put. He owns the school record in both indoor and outdoor competition and has won two straight gold medals. His next goal is qualifying for the NCAA East First Round in outdoor track. He narrowly missed the honor last season.Â
The outdoor campaign begins on March 29 with a dual against Binghamton in the Battle of BUs.Â
Â
Players Mentioned
Throws
/ Men's Track and FieldIn The Herd: Patriot League Championships Semifinals Preview And Zach Selfon Feature
Thursday, May 07
2026 Bucky's
Tuesday, May 05
Colgate at Bucknell Patriot League 1st Round Championships Game Highlights 4-28-2026
Wednesday, April 29
In The Herd: Patriot League Championship Semifinals Preview And Bella Crowley Feature
Tuesday, April 28