Edward Poplava
Edward E. "Ed" Poplava was a standout basketball player at Sharon High and Youngstown State University.
At Sharon High, he was a 2-year letterman in basketball and made the Hoyle All-Tourney team. He also earned a letter on the baseball team as a third baseman, while playing on a Sharon American Legion team that won the Mercer County championship.
At Youngstown, he was a 4-year letterman and 3-year starter and co-captain his senior year in baseball. Through 1972, he was still one of the top 20 scorers in the school's history. As a freshman, he played on the YSU team that included fellow Mercer County Hall of Famers Mike Magula and Sam Jankovich. That year the team defeated LaSalle, ranked No. 1 in the nation led by star Tom Gola.
During a stint in the U.S. Army, Ed led his Fort Jackson team to the division championship and was leading scorer. He also led the team to the Aberdeen Proving Ground Division crown as top scorer.
An outstanding golfer as well, he earned two letters in the sport at YSU (1955-56). He was also post champion in the service in '58. He placed third in the prestigious Punch McDowell Cup tournament at Sharon Country Club in '76. He was champion of First General League three straight seasons 1994-96 and was medalist in the Tam O'Shanter league in 1996 and '97. In '97, he was medalist of the Inter-Elks tournament, including Sharon, New Castle, Grove City and Butler lodges.
He once scored two eagles on consecutive days on the tough No. 3 at Tam O'Shanter and was the first person ever to eagle No. 1 at Leeland Golf Course.
He was doubles champion at the F.H. Buhl Club for three straight years (1994-96).