Last modified: Sunday, July 11, 2004 12:44 AM EDT Chakouian finishes seventh in shot put finals at trials SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Jeff Chakouian is happy. No, the Seekonk High native and University of Kentucky All-American shot putter did not make it to the Olympic team that will be competing in Athens next month. But he did manage to advance all the way to the finals, and he did wind up as the top amateur in the field, as his top throw of 19.74 meters (or 64-91/4 feet) placed him seventh. `` It felt good, I'm very pleased,'' said Chakouian, reached via cell phone on Saturday night. `` Out of all the guys in the finals, I came closest to my (personal-best throw of 66-3. I can't be upset. `` And I had the best finish of any amateur -- everybody else is getting paid, everybody above me has contract, so the future looks promising.'' Added Chakouian, who has been nursing a hernia since February, `` I've been injured really all season long, I was just happy to go out with solid throws.'' The top three finishers on Saturday night -- Adam Nelson (21.64 meters, or 71 feet), Reese Hoffa (21.14 meters, or 69-41/4) and John Godina (21.08 meters, or 69-2 feet) -- will be representing the red, white and blue at the Summer Games. For the second straight day Saturday, Chakouian snuck into the next round. After his throw of 18.55 meters (or 60-1031/10 feet) secured the 12th and final spot heading into the semifinals on Friday night, Chakouian had more of the same drama Saturday night. Chakouian's top semifinal-round throw of 19.26 meters snatched him the eighth and final spot in the championship round. On Saturday night, `` it was all about having fun,'' Chakouian said earlier in the day. `` I just had to get my throws in and put it all on the line.'' Chakouian was selected to a 23-and-under team that will be representing the United States at a meet in Canada at the end of July. Now ranked as the top amateur shot putter in the country, Chakouian still has a spring season of eligibility at Kentucky and will be the favorite at next year's NCAA Championships. And later ... the professional ranks and a try at the 2008 Olympics? `` I'm definitely gearing toward that,'' Chakouian said. `` I had a good showing here -- being seventh in American is pretty damn good. I knew that was the type of thing which I could use to build my career.''