Ramos Joins Madison After Big Ten Roster Shift

McKena Ramos transferred to the University of Wisconsin Madison after winning national titles in track and field at UW Oshkosh. The move places him on one of eighteen Big Ten rosters that now feature at least one athlete who previously competed in Division III.

Ramos, a senior from Sheboygan, was a recruited track athlete at UW Oshkosh. His coach, Eamon McKenna, did not anticipate the young man would become a five time All American and two time national champion in his first season. McKenna noted that the program knew Ramos was talented but remained under the radar. Ramos had set a personal benchmark before the indoor national meet. If he won a title as a freshman, he would consider moving to Division I. He won the indoor 800 meter event and the outdoor 1500 meter event. He then enrolled at Madison. He contributed to both the Badgers track and cross country teams upon arrival. Ramos said the higher competition level has improved his times. He also cited the travel and the chance to compete on a larger stage as major factors in his decision.

Ramos is part of a growing group of athletes making the jump from Division III to the Big Ten. Two other football players joined the Badgers after similar stints. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver, transferred to Madison after a year at UW Whitewater. He primarily plays on the scout team. Ryan Ramczyk spent time at UW Stevens Point before having an All American season at Madison. That performance raised his standing on NFL Draft boards. Every school in the conference now lists at least one such transfer on a roster.

Not every athlete finds the move successful. Emma Paulson swam for UW Madison during her freshman season before transferring to the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. She said the top level competition was not the right fit for her. At St. Thomas, a Division III school, she finished her career with three individual national championships and nine individual All American designations. Paulson noted that her times matched Division I standards, but the culture felt more like Division III. She described swimming in Division I as something that takes over a life, while Division III remains just a part of it.

Resources differ between the two levels of play. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Their facilities are generally smaller than those at Division I programs. Ramos said the running workouts are similar at both levels. However, Madison has athletic training facilities such as ice baths that Oshkosh lacked. He credited the tutoring at the Fetzer Center and the ability to take exams while traveling for his academic success. Paulson said she is held to the same standards as non athletes at St. Thomas and has no designated academic services.

Both athletes said they would make their choices again. Ramos said he is absolutely happy, noting that competing for Madison had been his dream since middle school. McKenna offered advice to athletes considering the jump. He said that standing out in Division III creates opportunities. The key question is whether an athlete can replace what makes them dominant at their current school.