Nile C. Kinnick All-Stars participate in the 2013 Tomodachi Bowl

Photo By Gregory Mitchell | Team USA Kubasaki High School running back Jarrett Mitchell stiff-arms a Team Kanto defender during the 2013 Tomodachi Bowl held at Bonk Field aboard Yokota Air Base, Japan March 10. Formally known as the Camellia Bowl, it was renamed The Tomodachi Bowl in honor of the good will and respect fostered between Japan and the U.S. during the joint disaster recovery efforts that followed the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake, and is held annually to promote friendship and cultural exchange with the host nation.  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

03.10.2013

Courtesy Story

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Continuing the tradition of promoting friendship and cultural exchange with the host nation, student football players from Fleet Activities (FLEACT), Yokosuka, Nile C. Kinnick High School participated in the annual 2013 Tomodachi Bowl held at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 10.

Tomodachi Bowl features all-star players selected from Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools all over Japan, to include Seoul American, American School in Japan, Zama, Kubasaki, Kadena, host school Yokota and Nile C. Kinnick High Schools. Team Kanto was represented by Hosei and Waseda University High Schools.

Originally called Camellia Bowl, the game was re-named Tomodachi Bowl in 2012 in honor of good will and respect fostered between Japan and U.S. during joint disaster recovery efforts that followed the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Elementary grades 1-3 and 4-6 flag football games between the United States and Japan and a Junior High School “Rough Touch” football game between the American Little Tigers and the Japanese Hurricanes also headlined the day.

Commander, 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan, Col. Mark R. August gave opening remarks which emphasized the continuation of strengthening the bond between the U.S. forces and the Japanese community while also not forgetting those who suffered due to the March 11 disaster.

“This all-star game was played as a commemoration of our unwavering friendship with our host nation of Japan,” said Kinnick head football coach Daniel Joley. “It is a great honor to play in this game and the Nile C. Kinnick Red Devil football family was well represented this year.”

Of the 40-member all-star team, the 10 players from Kinnick were: Dustin Wilson, Quinton Holden, Ka’i Worford, Marvin Newbins, Daniel Costello, Jesse Eckland, Marcel Holden, Marcus Boatwright, Ian O’Brien and Alex Banks, who was also the captain representing Kinnick team members.

“This game means a lot to me because of the connection I have with the people of Japan,” said Banks. “As a graduating senior, this is my second and last game, and to be a part of this is something that will always bring me fond memories while being close to my heart.”

The history of Japanese playing American football dates back to 1934, with Japan American Football Association introducing the sport through collegiate competition between Rikkyo, Meiji and Waseda Universities. Today, it is played in hundreds of high schools and despite the over-whelming popularity of baseball and soccer, it maintains a cult-like following.

When the final whistle blew, Team USA defeated Team Japan by a final score of 57-21. Afterwards, Coach Joley expressed his utmost respect for the host nation and the local community.

“This was my second Tomodachi Bowl [to include 2010 Camellia Bowl], but it would have been my third, had the March 11 disaster not occurred, so this is always a special occasion,” said Joley. “I think that the bond between us and our Japanese counterparts is what continues to make this game a reality. It is a unique situation where the kids have the opportunity to join with each other through a friendly game of football.”

Upon the conclusion of the days’ festivities, it was announced that next year, the game will be held at Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan.

• Date Taken: 03.10.2013
• Date Posted: 03.25.2013 03:26
• Story ID: 104034
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP