Pirates join Pacific Rim Bowl

 

Originally published March 18, 2025

Phoenix High School welcomed two representatives from Japan's Pacific Rim Bowl team to campus today as preparations continue for the 2025 Pacific Rim Bowl. This landmark sporting event will take place on July 25 in Ashland and marks Phoenix High School's first-ever participation in this prestigious international football series. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

About the Pacific Rim Bowl

The Pacific Rim Bowl series dates back to 1988 when Ashland High School sent its varsity football team to Osaka, Japan for the inaugural game. The series was born from a partnership between Akira Furukawa, Chairman of the American Football Association (Western Conference), and former Ashland High School Head Coach Jim Nagel. This connection had earlier roots when Chuck Mills, regarded as the "father of modern Japanese football," brought collegiate football to Japan in the 1970s and later coached at Southern Oregon State University.

Over the years, the Pacific Rim Bowl has grown into a significant cultural and athletic exchange program. Currently, Japan holds a 9-8 advantage in the series.

2025 Pacific Rim Bowl Details

For the 2025 edition, Phoenix High School will join forces with Ashland High School to field a more competitive combined team to face the Japan All Stars. This collaboration brings together players who previously competed together in the South Valley Wolfpack youth football program, creating a reunion for about a dozen current junior and senior players.

The Japan All Stars team, along with their coaches and administrative staff, will arrive in Southern Oregon on July 20. During their stay, the Japanese team will practice with our local players and make traditional visits to regional attractions including Crater Lake, a jet boat trip in Grants Pass, and shopping in Medford on game day.

Host Families Needed

Phoenix High School is actively seeking families willing to host Japanese players during the week of the game (July 20-25).

Host family requirements:

• Must also have at least one Phoenix High player in their home
• Can be either a current PHS football family OR a community member willing to host both a PHS football player and one or more Japanese players
• Provide lodging, meals, and transportation during the visit

This hosting opportunity offers a unique cultural exchange experience and the chance to build international friendships while supporting this historic sporting event.

For more information about becoming a host family, please contact coach Hall by calling 541-535-1526 or emailing charlie.hall@phoenix.k12.or.us.

The Pacific Rim Bowl represents an exciting opportunity for our Phoenix-Talent community to participate in this long-standing tradition of international sportsmanship and cultural exchange.