Zvonimir Škerl (June 30, 1962 – January 19, 1992) was a Croatian handball player and soldier during the Croatian War of Independence.[1]
| Zvonimir Škerl | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Zvonimir Škerl | ||
| Born |
30 June 1962 Rijeka, FPR Yugoslavia | ||
| Died |
19 January 1992 (aged 29) Perušić, Croatia | ||
| Nationality | Croatian | ||
| Playing position | Line player | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Years | Team | ||
1977-1980 | RK Trsat | ||
| Senior clubs | |||
| Years | Team | ||
1980–1991 | RK Kozala | ||
Early life and career edit
Škerl grew up in the suburb of Trsat in Rijeka.
In his youth he played for RK Trsat for three years before moving to RK Kozala. He played his whole senior career at Kozala and was even the captain of the squad. He represented his club throughout various regional leagues.
Military service and death edit
Once the Croatian War of Independence started Škerl enlisted in the Croatian Army.
He was part of the Croatian National Guard's 128th Infantry Brigade.[2] Škerl was stationed in Perušić where Battle of Gospić was fought. On January 19 1992 artillery attacks where dispersed on Perušić and Škerl was one of the soldiers who lost his life.[3]
Tribute edit
Since January 1992 there has been a memorial handball tournament in honor of Škerl organized by his former club RK Kozala named Memorial Zvonimir Škerl. The tournament has featured a variety of selection: cadet, senior, veteran, that have played depending on the organization.[4] The proceeds of the tournament go to the veterans of the 128th Infantry Brigade in Rijeka.
Sources edit
- Petar Orgulić - 50 godina rukometa u Rijeci (Adria Public)
References edit
- ^ "Dostojanstveno se sjetili Zvonimira Škerla". hrtsport.net (in Croatian).
- ^ "Poginuli branitelji - Primorsko-goranska županija". geni.com (in Croatian).
- ^ "Hrvatski memorijalno-dokumentacijski centar Domovinskog rata". centardomovinskograta.hr (in Croatian).
- ^ "ZVONIMIR ŠKERL". Kanal Ri (in Croatian).