Big Ten Transfers: Division III stars find new homes

The gap between college athletic divisions has narrowed for a select group of standout performers. McKena Ramos has joined a rising trend of elite Division III athletes who are transferring to Big Ten schools.

Ramos arrived at UW Oshkosh as a recruited track runner. His coaches did not anticipate him becoming a five time All American and two time national champion in one season. Eamon McKenna, the track and cross country coach at UW Oshkosh, noted that the team knew Ramos was talented but considered him under the radar. McKenna stated that he did not think Ramos would be able to win a national championship as a freshman.

Ramos set a personal condition before the indoor national meet. He decided that winning a title as a freshman would be reason enough to consider moving to Division I. He then won the indoor 800 meter title and the outdoor 1500 meter title before transferring to UW Madison. As a senior from Sheboygan, Ramos has contributed to both Badgers teams since arriving. He credits the tougher competition for helping him improve his times. Ramos noted that the competition level is the biggest difference athletically because everyone is on his level or above.

His path is uncommon but not unique in the conference. Every Big Ten school has at least one such transfer on a roster. Two Badger football players have also made the jump. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver, transferred from UW Whitewater after a single year. Ryan Ramczyk dominated on the offensive line at UW Stevens Point and then had an All American season in Madison that boosted his standing on NFL Draft boards.

The move up does not suit everyone. Emma Paulson concluded during her freshman season on the UW Madison swim team that top level college competition was not right for her. She transferred to the University of St. Thomas, a Division III school in Minnesota. Paulson realized that different people have different fits. At St. Thomas, she finished her career with three individual national championships and nine individual All American designations. She said her times matched Division I standards but the culture matched Division III.

Resources are one clear difference between the levels. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and their facilities are generally smaller in scale. Ramos said the running workouts are largely the same but Madison has athletic training facilities such as ice baths that Oshkosh lacked. He also credited 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 say they would make the same choice again. Ramos stated that he is absolutely happy, noting that competing for Madison had been his dream since middle school. McKenna offered cautious advice to athletes in similar positions. He said that if you stand out in Division III you are going to have opportunities. The key question is whether an athlete can replace whatever makes them dominant at their current school.