Senior Wade Shomper entered the NCAA East First Round with one goal: to set a personal best and secure a spot at the NCAA National Championships. He came in seeded 24th but finished sixth overall, achieving a personal record and a school record, all while earning a trip to Eugene.
“It feels great,” Wade said, beaming with excitement. “After warm-ups, I just knew I had it in me. I’m thrilled I executed well.”
His second throw made the difference. Wade stepped into the circle, gathered his focus, and released the heavy ball into the air. It landed at 18.94m (62-1.75), boosting him from 16th to fifth and cementing his place in the championships.
“I knew it was a PR the moment it left my hand,” he shared. “All my training led to this. I had confidence after a solid week of practice and a good pre-meet, even despite the rain. I feel like I earned my place to compete in Oregon.”
Wade opened with a throw of 18.25m (59-10.50), keeping him in reach of the top 12, which was necessary for qualification. His last effort, a solid 17.36m (56-11.50), didn’t change his position but confirmed his advancement.
Wade’s ability to thrive under pressure is notable. He’s set records at high-stakes events like the Raleigh Relays and the Patriot League Outdoor Championships. “Competing with top athletes drives you to excel,” he explained. “You know you need a big performance to stand out.”
Wade made history for Bucknell’s men’s program. He’s the first to qualify for Eugene since hammer thrower Leonard Joseph in 2013 and earned the highest placement for a Bucknell shot putter, surpassing Timothy Medlock’s 32nd place in 2009.
Throws coach Ryan Protzman is thrilled to see Wade succeed. “Words can’t express it,” he said. “Going into this competition, it felt like it could be the last. Wade has worked hard for four years and sets a tone for the entire team. Every moment he’s put in, all the ups and downs—today validates it all.”
As the NCAA National Championships approach, Wade’s story inspires many. His discipline and determination reflect the spirit of athletes striving for greatness, echoing the sentiment of sportsmanship heard across social media, where fans rally behind those who defy the odds.
To learn more about the upcoming NCAA National Championships, you can check out their official NCAA website.
