James Hopper

James Marie Hopper (July 23, 1876 – August 28, 1956) was French-born American writer and novelist. He was also an early college football coach, serving single seasons at the helm for both the Nevada State University Sagebrushers (lat. University of Nevada Wolf Pack and the University of California.

Record at Nevada
With Hopper leading the 'Brushers through the season of 1900 NSU posted a third consecutive winning season, the last consecutive streak until R. E. Courtright would post four consecutive 1919-1922. NSU went 4-2-1 under his tutleage, including their first ever win over a major "first team."

Prior to this season, the Sagebrusher's primary opponents were small preparatory schools and the second teams of larger California universities. Those few times the 'Brushers faced a major, first team normally lead to crushing defeat. Hopper changed the tide forever by beating the Stanford "First Eleven" 6-0.

Later work
After coaching at California in 1904, Hopper went briefly to the Philippines for his career as an author for McClure's magazine. He was also a friend of novelist Jack London.

Personal life
Hopper was born in Paris, France to John Joseph Hopper, a native of Ireland, and his wife, Victoire Blanche Lefebvre. He attended schooling in Paris and later immigrated to the United States with his mother to California, where he completed his preliminary education. He married Mattie E. Leonard on September 21, 1901. He became a United States citizen in 1917.