Even at major universities, there is always room for advancement.

Just ask the Michigan men's soccer program.

After years of being on the club sports scene, Michigan decided this year to add men's soccer as a varsity sport and to compete in the Big Ten against some of the best soccer programs in the country.

Michigan has a 3-2 record coming into this weekend's matchup with No. 2 Penn State, which will be the first major test for the Wolverines so far this season.

Although Michigan is in its first year of Big Ten play, the Wolverines will not be a pushover for anyone this season.

Michigan men's soccer coach Steve Burns, formerly the club team's head man, has players returning from their championship club team of a year ago and the Wolverines brought in a top-notch recruiting class to challenge the rest of the conference.

Michigan will be competing against national powerhouses like Indiana, Penn State and other Big Ten programs that it hasn't had the opportunity to play in the past.

Michigan midfielder Will Purdy said the change from club sports to varsity action takes a lot of getting used to because of the tougher competition and the fringe benefits that club athletes don't get the opportunity to enjoy.

"The way it's done, I feel like a professional," Purdy said. "In terms of change from club to varsity, it's more intense and more serious.

Although the Michigan men's soccer club team won two national championships and was in the Top-5 club teams consistently, Purdy said the switch to varsity is better for the program.

The fifth-year Wolverine said he would've graduated in the spring if the men's soccer team had not converted to the Big Ten.

With club dues, long and uncomfortable road trips and no national recognition, Purdy said Michigan did a good thing by changing men's soccer to a varsity sport, but he is surprised it took this long for the conversion to happen.

"I am shocked," Purdy said. "I can't believe it. Especially in Michigan where soccer is such a major sport."

The benefits that the Michigan men's soccer program is now enjoying include a comprehensive weight-training program, professional trainers to prevent injuries and decent meals when the team is traveling.

However, not everything in the Wolverines soccer program has changed.

"The practice sessions are still the same," Purdy said. "We took it seriously in club, but now it's way more intense."

The other factor that Michigan will face is the rivalries other major Wolverines sports like football and men's basketball has enjoyed in the past with other Big Ten schools.

Michigan State men's soccer assistant coach Damon Rensing said the addition of Michigan to the Big Ten will only make the conference stronger and make the rivalry between the two Michigan schools greater.

"Most of the kids growing up in Michigan are either Wolverines or Spartans," Rensing said. "It's going to be more of an emotional battle instead of a technical soccer match."

Indiana men's soccer coach Jerry Yeagley said Michigan will be a factor right out of the gate because their talent from last year combined with a stellar recruiting class will make them a contender.

Michigan's addition to the Big Ten also brings competition not only on the field but also in the world of recruiting high school players to their respective schools.

"Everything Michigan does is first class," Yeagley said. "It's making the conference better and improving the entire collegiate game."