by Jac Coyne | MCLA.us

LA CROSSE, Wis. – When you’re trying to build something, it’s always important to use all of the tools that are available.

The tools may not be the most popular or pleasing to the eye, but if it helps you reach your goals, you use them.

Like a lot of programs who have been in various degrees of hibernation for the past two seasons, Minnesota is trying to get back on track.

The Golden Gophers made an appearance at the 2019 nationals that produced a respectable, 13-6, loss at the hands of No. 2-seeded Chapman. But the virus break and the introduction of a new coaching staff has Minnesota attempting to reestablish itself.

So what tools are at Minny's disposal to do just that?

It starts this weekend when the Gophers take geographical advantage of having two of the best Division II teams in the land just down the road. No. 22 Minnesota plays preseason D-II No. 1 St. Thomas on Friday evening before turning around 15 hours later to face No. 4 Minn.-Duluth.

At the risk of agitating the “Why doesn’t St. Thomas go D-I?!?” Greek chorus, the Tommies and Bulldogs are going to be two of the stiffest games on the Minnesota slate, which also includes Dominican, Arizona State, Colorado State and Michigan State, among others.

Even though there is very little tangible benefit to playing these games – the selection committee doesn’t have a criterion addressing inter-divisional play – they are a convenient tool to build toward nationals.

“These games are more about refining and preparing for May,” said Minnesota coach Peter Gosen. “The team is primed and ready for taking a step forward. Dominating our home state – no matter the division – is important. Two wins is where we want to be.”

The players on both sides of the divisional divide most definitely want to win this weekend’s games.

The contests will be a de facto MSP alumni weekend, with high school teammates donning different collegiate jerseys going all out for the coveted offseason ribbing rights.

“These games are pretty intense and there is some form of bragging rights within the state,” said Gosen. “But I would say that there is a lot of respect between the coaches.”

Gosen certainly appreciates the willingness of the D-II powers to play his outfit because it’s as good of a trial run for the Monday-Tuesday grind at nationals as you can find nearby.

“We want to play, and play a lot,” said Gosen. “We are getting our minds and bodies ready for playing in conference and hopefully nationals.”

When the dust settles this weekend, Minnesota will be a better team regardless of the outcomes.

That’s the power of using all the tools at your disposal.