Track and Field: The High Cost of Climbing College Sports

A significant tension exists for college athletes who dominate at smaller schools but aspire to compete at the highest level. The central question is whether the intensity and resources of major conferences justify the loss of the supportive culture found in smaller programs. This dilemma is currently shaping the careers of several student athletes who are weighing the benefits of upward mobility against the demands of top-tier training.

The trend is statistically widespread. Every school in the Big Ten conference currently has at least one transfer from a Division III program on its roster. While this movement was rare in the past, it has become a common pathway for standout performers. These athletes are seeking access to larger platforms and more rigorous competition, a shift that has altered the landscape of college athletics in recent years.

McKena Ramos illustrates the success of this strategy. A senior from Sheboygan, Ramos arrived at UW-Oshkosh as a recruited track athlete. His coach, Eamon McKenna, noted that the team did not expect him to win a national championship as a freshman. Ramos privately bet on himself that a title would prompt a move up. He won the indoor 800-meter and outdoor 1500-meter titles and subsequently transferred to UW-Madison. He credited the tougher competition for improving his times, stating that the highest stage of competition is a major draw.

This path is not limited to track and field. Two Badger football players have made similar jumps. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver, transferred from UW-Whitewater after a single year. Ryan Ramczyk, an offensive lineman, dominated at UW-Stevens Point before having an All-American season in Madison. That performance improved his standing on NFL Draft boards, demonstrating the professional upside of the move.

However, the transition does not guarantee success. Emma Paulson, a swimmer, moved from UW-Madison to the University of St. Thomas, a Division III school in Minnesota. She concluded during her freshman season that the top-level competition was not the right fit. At St. Thomas, she finished her career with three individual national championships and nine All-American designations. She explained that while her times met Division I standards, the culture aligned better with Division III, where the sport is a part of life rather than the whole thing.

The infrastructure gap between the levels is a key factor. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and generally have smaller facilities. Division I programs invest more heavily in resources. Ramos noted that while running workouts are similar, Madison provides specialized training facilities like ice baths that Oshkosh lacked. He also benefited from tutoring at the Fetzer Center and the ability to take exams while traveling. In contrast, Paulson noted she has no designated academic services at St. Thomas and is held to the same standards as non-athletes.

Both athletes say they would make the same choice again. Ramos described his experience at Madison as fulfilling his dream since middle school. Coach McKenna offered cautious advice to others in similar positions, noting that standout athletes in Division III will find opportunities. The critical question remains whether an athlete can replace what makes them dominant at their current school when they move to a higher level.