Track star Ramos makes leap from Division III to Big Ten

McKena Ramos has completed a rapid ascent from a mid-major program to a power conference team.

Ramos arrived at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as a recruited runner. His coaches recognized his talent but did not foresee him becoming a five-time All-American and two-time national champion during his freshman year. Eamon McKenna, the head track and cross-country coach, noted that the team knew Ramos was skilled but remained under the national radar. He recalled thinking it was unlikely the freshman would capture a national title so soon after enrolling.

Ramos set a personal benchmark before the indoor nationals. He decided that winning a title as a freshman would justify a move to Division I. He then claimed the indoor 800-meter championship and the outdoor 1500-meter championship. Following those victories, the senior from Sheboygan transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since joining the Badgers, he has contributed to both the track and cross-country squads. Ramos stated that the higher intensity and stronger competition have improved his times across the board. He also cited the travel schedule and the opportunity to compete at the highest level as significant factors in his decision.

This pathway is rare but increasingly common. Multiple prominent athletes have moved from Division III schools into the Big Ten conference in recent years. Currently, every institution in the conference has at least one such transfer on one of its rosters. Two Badger football players have made a similar transition. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver who primarily practices with the scout team, arrived after a year at UW-Whitewater. Ryan Ramczyk had a dominant offensive line season at UW-Stevens Point before posting an All-American year in Madison, which boosted his standing among NFL Draft evaluators.

The adjustment period does not guarantee success for every athlete. Emma Paulson finished her freshman season on the UW-Madison swim team before realizing that top-tier college competition was not the right environment for her. She transferred to the University of St. Thomas, a Division III school in Minnesota. Paulson explained that individual fits vary and that the move worked for her. At St. Thomas, she finished her career with three individual national titles and nine individual All-American honors. She noted that her swimming times met Division I standards, but the cultural fit aligned more closely with Division III. She described Division I swimming as taking over her life, whereas Division III is just a part of it.

Resource disparities remain a clear distinction between the levels. Division III programs do not offer athletic scholarships, and their facilities are generally smaller than those at Division I schools, which invest more heavily in infrastructure. Ramos said his running workouts are similar at both schools, but Madison provides athletic training amenities like ice baths that Oshkosh lacked. He also credited tutoring at the Fetzer Center and the flexibility to take exams while traveling for his academic progress. Paulson stated she faces the same academic standards as non-athletes at St. Thomas and has no dedicated academic services.

Both athletes report satisfaction with their choices. Ramos said he is absolutely happy, noting that competing for Madison had been a dream since middle school. McKenna offered cautious guidance to athletes considering a similar move. He said that standout performers in Division III will find opportunities, but the critical question is whether they can replicate the factors that made them dominant at their previous school.