Eugene, Ore. - Junior Mara Olson wrapped up a remarkable year at Butler with a 12th place finish at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship on Saturday, June 14.  The meet at Oregon's historic Hayward Field was Butler's final 2013-14 athletic competition.

Olson jumped out to a strong start in the women's 5,000 meter run at the national meet and held the lead after the first 1,000 meters.  She covered the opening 1K in 3:20.45.  The talented Butler distance runner finished the 24-runner race in 16:11.58.

With the completion of the 5,000 meter run, Olson became the first female athlete in Butler history to compete in the NCAA national meets in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track in the same year.  She earned All-America honors while leading Butler to a third place team finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championship, and she earned second team All-America recognition with a tenth place finish in the 3,000 meter run at the NCAA Indoor Track Championship and with her performance at the outdoor championship. 

Olson was one of two Butler runners competing at the national meet this week.  Senior Kirsty Legg placed 23rd in the women's 1,500 meter run on Thursday (June 12).