Track star leaves small college for Big Ten spotlight

McKena Ramos made a bold move this season when he transferred from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to the University of Wisconsin Madison. The senior from Sheboygan joined the Badgers after a standout year at his previous school, where he captured both the indoor 800-meter and outdoor 1500-meter national titles. Ramos admitted that winning a championship as a freshman was a personal goal he had set for himself. He viewed that specific achievement as the green light to pursue a higher level of competition. Once he secured those wins, he began the process of moving to the Big Ten program.

His coach at Oshkosh, Eamon McKenna, recalled the recruiting process with surprise. McKenna noted that while Ramos was clearly talented, he flew under the radar for most programs. The coach did not anticipate the athlete would win a national title in his first year. Ramos explained that the higher intensity and tougher competition in Madison have pushed his times down across the board. He described the environment as one where every opponent is at his level or above, which keeps him sharp. The opportunity to travel and compete on a national stage was also a significant factor in his decision.

Ramos is part of a larger pattern in college athletics. In recent years, several high-profile players have moved from Division III schools into the Big Ten. Currently, every school in the conference has at least one such transfer on a roster. Two football players on the Badgers team have followed a similar path. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver, transferred from UW-Whitewater. Ryan Ramczyk, an offensive lineman, moved from UW-Stevens Point and had an All-American season that improved his standing on NFL draft boards.

The transition is not always a success, however. Emma Paulson tried the jump during her freshman year on the UW-Madison swim team. She soon realized that the intensity of top-level college competition was not the right fit for her. Paulson transferred to the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, a Division III school. She finished her career there with three individual national championships and nine All-American honors. Paulson noted that while her times were competitive at the Division I level, the culture at St. Thomas suited her better. She explained that swimming at the higher division can consume a student's entire life, whereas at the lower division, it remains just one part of it.

Resources differ significantly between the two levels. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, and their facilities are typically smaller than those at Division I institutions. Ramos pointed out that while the running workouts are similar, Madison offers athletic training amenities like ice baths that Oshkosh did not have. He also credited the tutoring at the Fetzer Center and the ability to take exams while traveling for his academic success. In contrast, Paulson stated that she is held to the same academic standards as non-athletes at St. Thomas and has no designated support services.

Both athletes remain confident in their choices. Ramos said he is absolutely happy with his decision, noting that competing for Madison had been his dream since middle school. McKenna offered cautious advice to other athletes in similar situations. He said that standing out in Division III usually leads to opportunities. The critical question for any athlete is whether they can replace the factors that made them dominant at their previous school.

The decision to move up requires careful consideration of both athletic and academic factors. While the resources and competition level are higher at the top tier, the personal fit varies greatly among student-athletes. Ramos found the challenge beneficial, while Paulson found the balance at the lower division more sustainable. Both now compete at the highest levels of their respective sports, having made choices that aligned with their long-term goals.