Brian Chaput may no longer be a student at the University of Pennsylvania, but the accolades for his stellar college career are still piling up.
The former national champion javelin thrower was named to the 2004 Academic All-American Men's University Division Track and Field first team, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
For Chaput, the award means something a little more than the titles he earned during the last two years in a Quakers uniform.
"This award is special because it takes into account both areas, in athletics and doing well in school," he said. "I try hard to excel in everything I do."
The East Haven, Conn., native is focusing his efforts this summer on earning a bid to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He will participate in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, held July 9-18 in Sacramento, Calif.
"That's something that I'm really excited for, to be able to vie for a spot to represent my country in the Olympics," Chaput said.
"It's something that you always dream of as a little kid."
Chaput tried to win his second straight NCAA championship in the javelin two weeks ago in Austin, Texas. However, he fell short and finished the year ranked second in the nation.
Chaput's throw of 256 feet, 2 inches defeated everyone but Boise State's Gabriel Wallin, who launched the javelin 264-9 to take the title.
"I've got to take my hat off to" Wallin, Chaput said. "He made the really big throw. I'm still looking for my first big throw of the year."
Chaput admitted that he was less than pleased with the results.
"It certainly wasn't my best performance, it's a disappointment in general," Chaput said. "I don't like to lose."
While Chaput might have finished lower than expected at NCAAs, he has already accumulated four titles this year, including wins at Heptagonals, IC4A Championships, Penn Relays and NCAA East Regionals. His best performance came at last year's NCAAs, in which he posted a throw of 258-2 to capture the championship.
But out of all his individual awards, Chaput insists that his best memory was defeating the other Ivy League teams at Heptagonals in May of 2002. Although Chaput was only a sophomore at the time, his throw of 235-9 led the Quakers to their 68th Heptagonals championship.
Since that victory, Chaput has made a permanent mark in the Penn record books. During the 2003 season, he established new Heptagonals, Ivy and school records in the javelin.
And ironically, the person whose Penn record was shattered by Chaput was none other than his coach and mentor, John Taylor.
"Coach Taylor has had the most influence on me as a person and an athlete,"Chaput said. "As a volunteer, he has really devoted his time and helped me for the last four years."
But while Taylor might have given Chaput extra support, his biggest asset might be his innate drive to succeed.
"I've learned if I put my mind to something, I can get it done," Chaput said.
Currently, Chaput is battling through a few nagging injuries as he rests up for the Olympic qualifiers. While Penn's coaches have remarked on his consistency throughout the 2004 season, Chaput still feels that his best is yet to come.
"Right now I'm taking it one step at a time, resting up and healing a few nagging injuries," Chaput said. "I'll be ready to go when I try for the qualifiers."
When asked about the security concerns that have forced players even at the professional level to reconsider traveling to Athens, Chaput did not even hesitate to give his response.
"Oh no, if I make it, you bet I'll be there," he said.
A refreshing attitude.
