Erik Peterson capped his Butler career with the best finish of his All-American career, placing third in the 10,000 meters late Wednesday night at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The championships were held in Eugene, Ore.

Peterson, who finished eighth in the event in 2016, took the lead with 600 meters remaining. He led the crowded field at several points in the race as 22 of the 24 runners were within 10 meters of each other for the first two-thirds of the race.

With 300 meters to go, Tulsa's Marc Scott made his move that eventually led to crossing the line first. BYU's Rory Linkletter placed second.

Peterson, who owns the school record in the event, finished in 29:04.74, three seconds behind Scott. The tactical race slowed the pace and tightened the field for much of the evening.

For Peterson, Wednesday's performance is his sixth career All-American honor.

The third-place finish for Peterson matches Stephen Lisgo's finish in the steeplechase in 2009. That is Butler's top men's result at the NCAA Championships since Bert Nelson's NCAA title in the high jump in 1932.

Euan Makepeace will represent Butler in Friday night's 5,000 meters. It will be the first NCAA Championships competition for the sophomore from the United Kingdom.