Bucknell University Athletics
Wade Shomper Qualifies for the NCAAs
5/21/2026 5:27:00 PM | Men's Track and Field
LEWISBURG, Pa. — Wade Shomper earned numerous honors throughout his Bucknell career: three gold medals at the Patriot League Championships, both school records in the shot put, and multiple academic awards. However, NCAA qualification had eluded the Bison star until now. Shomper became the first Bucknell male athlete since 2019 to qualify for the NCAA East First Round, where he will compete on May 27. The competition will be streamed on ESPN+, and the top 12 finishers will advance to the NCAA National Championships.
Shomper capped his Patriot League career by repeating as shot put champion at the Outdoor Championships. The Bison senior uncorked a personal-best throw of 18.40 meters (60-4.25) in the fifth round to surge to the top of the podium and deliver 10 crucial points for Bucknell.
Shomper's 2026 season began with a breakthrough performance at the Raleigh Relays, where he broke the school record and effectively secured NCAA qualification with a throw of 18.23 meters (59-9.75). He consistently posted strong marks throughout the season before surpassing 18 meters again at the Patriot League Championships.
The Bucknell senior joins Timothy Medlock (2009) and former school record holder Joseph Breen (2016) as the third Bucknell shot putter to qualify for the NCAA East First Round. Medlock placed 32nd in his competition, while Breen finished 46th. Bucknell men's track & field last sent athletes to the NCAA East First Round in 2019, making Shomper the program's first qualifier since then.
"It means a lot being the first male to qualify in so long," said Shomper. "It's just a testament to how much better our program is now and how much better it will be in the future. I know there are a few guys just in the throws squad that have a good chance to be in the same position next year."
Shomper enters the competition seeded 24th and ranks as the ninth-highest non–Power Four thrower in the field. The 12th-place finisher at last year's NCAA East First Round recorded a throw of 18.77 meters (61-7), meaning Shomper will likely need another personal best to advance to the NCAA National Championships.
"My goals entering the competition are just to go after it and leave it all out there," Shomper said. "Knowing it could be my last meet, I want to attack every chance I get to throw and chase every attempt to solidify my spot in Eugene."
The NCAA National Championships will be held in Eugene, Oregon, from June 10–13.
