McKena Ramos Transfers from UW-Oshkosh to UW-Madison After National Titles

McKena Ramos transferred from UW-Oshkosh to UW-Madison after winning two national championships in a single season. The move ends his time as a track star at a Division III institution and places him on the roster of a Big Ten program. Ramos, a senior from Sheboygan, had set a personal condition before the indoor season. He decided that winning a national title as a freshman would trigger a move to Division I. He won the indoor 800-meter and outdoor 1500-meter events, fulfilling that self-imposed standard.

Eamon McKenna, who coached track and cross-country at UW-Oshkosh, recalled the recruiting process. McKenna said the coaching staff knew Ramos was talented but considered him under the radar. McKenna noted that he did not expect a freshman to win a national championship during the recruitment phase.

Ramos said the jump in competition intensity has improved his times. He described the Big Ten field as having athletes who are at his level or above. He cited the travel schedule and the opportunity to compete on the highest stage as additional reasons for the switch. His path mirrors a wider trend in the conference. Every one of the 18 Big Ten schools now lists at least one transfer from a Division III school on at least one roster.

Two Badger football players have followed a similar trajectory. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver who primarily plays on the scout team, transferred to Madison after one year at UW-Whitewater. Ryan Ramczyk, an offensive lineman, dominated at UW-Stevens Point before posting an All-American season in Madison. His performance at the Big Ten level has improved his standing on NFL Draft boards.

Not every athlete finds the step up to fit their needs. Emma Paulson swam for UW-Madison during her freshman year. She concluded that the demands of top-level college swimming did not suit her lifestyle. Paulson transferred to the University of St. Thomas, a Division III school in Minnesota. She said the culture at St. Thomas allowed swimming to be a part of her life rather than the entirety of it.

Paulson finished her career at St. Thomas with three individual national championships and nine individual All-American honors. She stated that her race times met Division I standards, but the academic and social environment matched her preferences better. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Their facilities are generally smaller than those at Division I institutions, which invest more in infrastructure and programs.

Ramos pointed out specific resource differences between Oshkosh and Madison. He noted that Madison has access to athletic training facilities, such as ice baths, that were not available at his previous school. He also credited the tutoring services at the Fetzer Center and the ability to take exams while traveling for his academic success. Paulson said she is held to the same academic standards as non-athletes at St. Thomas and does not have designated academic services.

Both athletes said they would make their respective choices again. Ramos said competing for Madison had been his dream since middle school. McKenna advised athletes who stand out in Division III to expect opportunities. He said the key question for any athlete is whether they can replace the factors that made them dominant at their current school.