Wade Shomper Breaks School Record in Outdoor Shot Put on Day One of Raleigh Relays

Thursday, March 26

Raleigh, N.C.

9:30 a.m.

Bucknell University

Raleigh Relays

Wade Shomper 2024 PL Outdoor Championships

Wade Shomper Breaks School Record in Outdoor Shot Put on Day One of Raleigh Relays

3/26/2026 10:29:00 PM | Men's Track and Field

RALEIGH, N.C.- Wade Shomper won gold in the shot put at the Patriot League Indoor Indoor Championships and the senior star did not miss a beat in the opening meet of the outdoor season. He once again broke his school record in the event by throwing a massive 18.23m (59-9.75) on day one of the Raleigh Relays.

Results

"I felt it was a fantastic day one and season opener for both our student-athletes who competed today," said head coach Kevin Donner. "Shomper picked up right where he left off indoors and broke his own outdoor school record. His mark should also qualify him for the NCAA East Prelims in Kentucky later this season. He was also the top collegiate as he was second only to a post-collegiate. Pulver is about a meter farther than he was one year ago today and was close to making a final. Overall, a very good day to be a Bison. Our athletes will use this momentum for the discus, high jump and triple jump tomorrow."

Shomper's mark finished second and was the highest collegiate throw. His throws were a model of consistency without a single foul and each toss registered 54 feet or higher with three attempts slotting above 57 feet. The senior's first chance flew 16.92m (55-6.25). He slightly slipped to 16.58m (54-4.75) before unleashing his school record toss of 18.23m (59.9.75). The throw firmly established him in second place. His three finals throws flew 16.56m (54-4), 17.47m (57-3.75), and 17.77m (58-3.75).

"Wade can call himself an NCAA qualifier," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "Right after winning indoors he was right back at it. Doubling shot put and discus most days at practice along with lift. I have never seen him this motivated and that says a lot. I am excigted to see what the season holds when he starts to get his explosiveness back. Wade Shomper is the standard and I am grateful he chose Bucknell."

The 18.23m distance moved him into first in the Patriot League, second in the Mid-Atlantic region, eighth in the NCAA East rankings, and tenth nationally. The mark should land Shomper comfortably into NCAA East Regional qualification for the first time in his illustrious career. 18.23m would rank 37th in 2025.

"It was an exciting start and I can't wait to get back in the ring," said Shomper.

Braiden Pulver also enjoyed a career day. While he did not make the finals, his mark of 16.66m (54-8) placed 12th and moved him into fifth place at Bucknell. Pulver came out firing, throwing 16.35m (53-7.75). He fouled in his second attempt and then uncorked his 16.66m toss. That distance sits 41st in the NCAA East rankings.

Bucknell throwers will compete in the discus tomorrow.