What an eloquent summary by Graig. I would not normally respond to something like this given the fact that I never knew Ilija nor any players from his era at the college.
With that said, I coached at CofC for three years (one as head coach) and got to know many players over the years. The natural brotherhood amongst CofC players allows me to identify with your loss of a good friend.

Over the years, I have evolved into a (lifelong) supporter of this club thanks to the natural ambitions and work ethic of the boys in general. My wife and I have even grown to love some of the chaps as our sons or - at the very least, part of our family. Based on our experience, Ilija might have been one of these boys had we met him.
Shock the world.
Clint Weimann