Tragedy Strikes: Millwall and Montenegro Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic Passes Away at 26 The football world is in mourning after the tragic loss of Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic, who played for English Championship club Millwall, died on Sunday, November 13, 2022. The exact cause of Sarkic’s death is yet to be determined, but it is believed to be unrelated to football. The Montenegro Football Federation expressed its shock and devastation, describing Sarkic as “one of the brightest talents of Montenegrin football.” Sarkic began his professional career with Radnički Niš in Serbia before moving to Aston Villa in 2015. After loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Livingston, he joined Millwall on a permanent deal in 2021. During his time at Millwall, Sarkic made 40 appearances and was considered a promising goalkeeper. He also played for the Montenegro national team, making his debut in 2019 and earning 18 caps. Tributes have poured in from the football community, with clubs, players, and fans expressing their condolences. Millwall manager Gary Rowett said: “Mati was a popular figure in our dressing room and around the training ground. He had a bright future ahead of him, and his loss is a huge blow to everyone at the club.” Premier League clubs Manchester City and Aston Villa also offered their sympathies, as did the English Football League and the Professional Footballers’ Association. The football world has lost a talented player and a bright young man. Matija Sarkic’s legacy will live on through the memories of his performances and the impact he had on his teammates, fans, and everyone who knew him.Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy Graduates Class 34
Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy Graduates Class 34 In Indianapolis, 75 young people from across Indiana, including three from Johnson County and one from Bartholomew County, celebrated their graduation from Class 34 of the Indiana Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy (HYCA). Established in 2007, HYCA has now graduated over 2,600 students statewide. Developing Values and Skills HYCA provides military training and mentorship to at-risk youth aged 16 to 18 who have not yet completed high school. The Indiana National Guard’s program aims to instill values such as discipline and determination, while also providing credentials that demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Graduates’ Journey The 2024 graduates underwent a two-week acclimatization phase, a five-month residential phase involving community service, and are now completing a year-long post-residential mentorship phase to support their career and life goals. Local Graduates The local students who graduated from HYCA include: * Dayton Asbury (Johnson County) * Jordan Campbell (Johnson County) * Alayna Hohlstein (Johnson County) * Corey Stepper (Bartholomew County) Recognition and Support Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, praised the graduates for their resilience and growth. He emphasized the lifelong benefits of the academy’s teachings, including discipline, determination, and the skills necessary to become successful adults.
Tragic Loss: Millwall and Montenegro Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic Passes Away at 26 The world of football is mourning the loss of Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who has passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic was a Montenegro international and had been with Millwall since joining the club in 2021. During his time at the club, he made 44 appearances, keeping 14 clean sheets. The news of Sarkic’s death has shocked both the Millwall and Montenegro football communities. A statement from Millwall paid tribute to the young goalkeeper: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Matija was a popular figure at the club and his loss will be greatly felt.” Montenegro Football Association also released a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we learned about the untimely passing of our international player, Matija Sarkic. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.” The cause of Sarkic’s death is currently unknown, and the club has requested that privacy be respected during this difficult time. Millwall’s upcoming fixtures are expected to go ahead as planned, with a minute’s silence held before each match in memory of Sarkic.
