The Midwest region is back at it again this weekend for the Toys for Toys 7s tournament at the Des Moines Rugby Grounds. Toys for Tots is a non-profit organization through the US Marine Corps that helps less fortunate kids experience the joy of Christmas. Through entry fees (2-3 unwrapped toys/$15 per person), the organization is able to reach out to the children. 

This tournament should be competitive as always with the vast amount of returning from last year to defend their title.

The Coralville ReeferHawks, though they are just the ReeferHawks this year, are coming back as the defending Cup champions and are looking for a repeat. They lost early to University of Northern Iowa (UNI) 26-21, but reeled off three straight en route to their second Cup championship.

And tasting that bitter defeat from last year is, ironically, the host; Des Moines. D.M.R.F.C. has had to sit on that 24-17 loss for an entire year and are looking for revenge with a balanced squad. They will get their first opportunity when they face the ReeferHawks in the fourth game of the tournament.

Woodbury looks to have their teams contend again. The only team in the Midwest Series standings (12^th with 5 points), the Wolfpack entered both their ‘A’ and ‘B’ squads last year and produced equally productive outings. The A side finished second in Pool C behind host Des Moines and crushed the Turtlebears in the Plate semis before finishing off Black Sheep in the finals.

The B side did very well too. Undefeated and outscoring opponents 63-7 in Pool D, they were, unfortunately, matched against Des Moines in the Cup semifinals to suffer their first and only loss. Should all squads stay at full strength, the battle for the Cup will be a strong tug-of-war to get a realistic view on what team has the edge.

Games are scheduled to kickoff at 9 A.M. with a captains meeting before to make sure all teams are in order.