Bucknell University Athletics
Wade Shomper Wins Patriot League Field Athlete of the Week & Bison of the Week
3/31/2026 2:08:00 PM | Men's Track and Field
LEWISBURG, Pa.- Wade Shomper continued his masterful senior season by producing a dominant throw and resetting his school record in the outdoor shot put at last week's Raleigh Relays. The feat won the shot put star his first Patriot League Field Athlete of the Week and his third Bison of the Week of the 2025-26 academic year and the fourth of his record setting career.Â
"March was a big month for Wade," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "Wrapping up his indoor career with a huge throw and winning another Patriot League title. He picked it right back up in his first outdoor meet. Great to see him hit the regional mark so early, so he can really focus on building the consistency to go big in the championship season."
Shomper placed second and was the highest collegiate finisher at the highly competitive and prestigious Raleigh Relays. The senior was locked in and did not commit a single foul. All his throws netted 16 meters or higher. The school record distance of 18.23m (59-9.75) arrived on his third attempt and easily shattered his old mark of 57-11.Â
The throw moved him into first in the Patriot League, 12th in the East, and 20th nationally. He assuredly locked up his first NCAA qualifying bid and can now focus on improving his distance past 60 feet and defending his outdoor Patriot League title against league competition. Shomper won the shot put at the Patriot League Indoor Championships earlier this March, becoming the first Bison since Jeff Brown (60m) in 2020 to win a gold medal.Â
"Wade was able to punch his ticket to the First Rounds in his first meet which allows him to focus on Patriot Leagues and the NCAAs, "said Protzman. "His training doesn't have him set up to throw far yet, so last weekend was huge."
Bucknell's outdoor schedule continues this weekend at the annual Colonial Relays hosted by William & Mary.Â
"March was a big month for Wade," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "Wrapping up his indoor career with a huge throw and winning another Patriot League title. He picked it right back up in his first outdoor meet. Great to see him hit the regional mark so early, so he can really focus on building the consistency to go big in the championship season."
Shomper placed second and was the highest collegiate finisher at the highly competitive and prestigious Raleigh Relays. The senior was locked in and did not commit a single foul. All his throws netted 16 meters or higher. The school record distance of 18.23m (59-9.75) arrived on his third attempt and easily shattered his old mark of 57-11.Â
The throw moved him into first in the Patriot League, 12th in the East, and 20th nationally. He assuredly locked up his first NCAA qualifying bid and can now focus on improving his distance past 60 feet and defending his outdoor Patriot League title against league competition. Shomper won the shot put at the Patriot League Indoor Championships earlier this March, becoming the first Bison since Jeff Brown (60m) in 2020 to win a gold medal.Â
"Wade was able to punch his ticket to the First Rounds in his first meet which allows him to focus on Patriot Leagues and the NCAAs, "said Protzman. "His training doesn't have him set up to throw far yet, so last weekend was huge."
Bucknell's outdoor schedule continues this weekend at the annual Colonial Relays hosted by William & Mary.Â
Players Mentioned
Throws
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