PHOTO PROVIDED Bucknell’s Wade Shomper claimed All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor T&F Championships in this photo by Eamonn Ryan of Bucknell Athletics.

EUGENE, Ore. — Senior shot putter Wade Shomper collected many worthy honors over his historic career — three conference crowns, first-team All-Patriot League recognition, and ownership of two school records.

He surpassed all of those accomplishments by earning second-team All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Shomper finished 16th, becoming Bucknell’s eighth All-American, the first since 2013, the program’s fourth thrower to earn the distinction, and its first shot putter to do so.

“Wade had an incredible career and his best meets occurred in the last four to five weeks of the outdoor season during his senior year,” Bucknell’s head coach Kevin Donner said. “Everyone at Bucknell is very proud of our newest All-American. Coach Protzman did an outstanding job getting him to the national level this outdoor season.”

“This group has been so good about setting a standard, and continuing to elevate it,” throws coach Ryan Protzman said. “That starts at the top with people like Wade Shomper. He earned every bit of that All-American title.”

Shomper hit 59 feet, 10 1/2 inches in his first throw and the mark held up through a tiebreaker for 16th place and the final All-American position. He tied with Arkansas State’s Menachem Chen. Both throwers’ second-best mark would determine the laurel. Shomper’s attempt flew 59-5.75. Chen’s try went 59-3 3/4.

The opening throw placed Shomper sixth, matching his finish at the NCAA East First Round. His positioning did not last. After his second throw, Shomper had slid to 14th. It was a deep field with five personal best throws.

Shomper’s final throw looked strong but he was called for a foul. He remained at 14th but watched two more throwers surpass his mark and knock him to 16th. Once the final results were confirmed, Shomper and Bucknell could celebrate the All-American accomplishment.

“It feels awesome,” Shomper said. “I’ve always wanted to earn the title and it feels great to finally have it. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed in how I threw, but to still end up with All-American honors on a disappointing day is a blessing.”

Shomper became the first Bison since Leonard Joseph in 2013 to earn All-American honors. Joseph, a fellow thrower, placed 11th in the hammer throw. Fittingly, Shomper clinched All-American honors 50 years after Thomas McLean won the 800-meter run for Bucknell’s sole national title.

“Throwing at Hayward was amazing,” Shomper gushed. “You can feel the energy from every event around you and all the fans cheering. walking out with all the shot putters and having introductions was so cool. Just a great experience and I can finally say I threw at Hayward.”