Members
Inductee
SOJKA JR., EDMUND MICHAEL
SOJKA JR., EDMUND MICHAEL
Born on March 4, 1937
Chicago, Illinois
May 26, 2017
Inducted On
May 1, 2022
Location Inducted
Merrillville, Indiana
Region Number
1
East Chicago Roosevelt
Player
East Chicago Roosevelt
1956
During his high school playing days, because of his size and his unusual quickness, Ed played pulling guard leading that vaunted ECR power sweep. Ed and his line mate, Ralph Reed and fullback Jack Davidson blew open holes in the opposition lines so fleet-footed Bob Polski could run the ball, keeping Pete Rucinski's Rough Riders victorious. For his four years from 1952-55, Ed excelled in a variety of sports in high school, but football was his passion. Ed's parents did not want him to play "That Brutal Sport" so his grandfather signed his permission slip. Ed was a 4-year letter winner at Roosevelt. His four-year record at Roosevelt was 30 wins and 4 losses (89%).
Michigan State University, South Georgia College
Ed selected Michigan State University to play for legendary coach Duffy Daughtery. Ed was the starting guard on the freshman team. During his sophomore year, Ed injured his shoulder. This caused Ed to transfer to South Georgia College and played for another legendary coach, Bobby Bowden. There, Ed re-injured his shoulder that ended his playing career. Ed received an uncuttable offer from the New York Titans (now Jets) but due to his shoulder, he turned them down.
In 1954, Ed was All Conference, All State selection, Hamond Times All Area, Gary Post Tribune All Region, Chicago American All Chicagoland, Chicago Tribune All Chicagoland. Chicago Sun Times All Chicagoland, Chicago Daily News All Chicagoland, State Champions.
In 1955, Ed, was named "All-American", All Conference, Hammond Times All Area, Gary Post Tribune All Region, Chicago American All Chicagoland, Chicago Tribune All Chicagoland, Chicago Sun Times All Chicagoland, Chicago Daily News All Chicagoland, State Champions.
Ed was selected into the East Chicago Sports Hall of Fame.
Ed and Carolyn had 5 children, Peter, Paul, Maria, Michelle and Andrew. They had 7 grandchildren.