Wade Shomper: Bucknell’s Shot Put Star Makes NCAA History
Wade Shomper has had an impressive journey at Bucknell. He won multiple gold medals at the Patriot League Championships and set school records in shot put. But one milestone eluded him: NCAA qualification. That changed this year when he became the first male athlete from Bucknell to qualify for the NCAA East First Round since 2019. He’ll compete on May 27, and the competition will be streamed on ESPN+. The top 12 finishers will advance to the NCAA National Championships.
Shomper recently capped his Patriot League career by winning the shot put title, achieving a personal best of 18.40 meters in the fifth round. This throw secured 10 vital points for Bucknell.
The season kicked off for Shomper with a standout performance at the Raleigh Relays. He broke the school record, throwing 18.23 meters, which also guaranteed his spot in the NCAA qualifiers. Throughout the season, he consistently delivered strong results, clearing 18 meters again at the Patriot League Championships.
Shomper now joins an exclusive group of Bucknell shot putters who have qualified for the NCAA East First Round. He is the third male athlete to achieve this, following Timothy Medlock in 2009 and Joseph Breen in 2016. Shomper’s qualification marks a significant achievement for Bucknell’s track program, which last sent athletes to the NCAA East First Round four years ago.
Reflecting on his achievement, Shomper said, “It means a lot to be the first male to qualify in a while. It shows how much our program has improved and how bright the future looks.”
As he prepares for the competition, Shomper is ranked 24th overall but is the ninth highest non-Power Five thrower in the field. Last year’s 12th-place finisher threw 18.77 meters, which means Shomper may need to push himself even further to make it to the next round.
“My goal is to give my all,” he shared. “This could be my last meet, so I want to seize every chance to throw and secure my place in Eugene.”
The NCAA National Championships are set to take place in Eugene, Oregon, from June 10–13. This event has a rich history, showcasing top talent from across the country and often serving as a launching pad for future Olympic athletes. Every throw counts, and Shomper is ready to make his mark.
As the sports world watched, social media buzzed with excitement about upcoming competitions. Fans celebrated his achievements, recognizing the effort it takes to reach this level.
In sports, moments like these remind us of the hard work, perseverance, and dedication athletes pour into their training, aiming not just for personal records but for excellence on a larger stage.
