Raymond Lewis Hooper, Sr. was a four-year starter on the Blue Tiger football team from 1958- to -1961, earning , four letters. He was honored several times for his play on the field including, being named to the MWAA First- Team in 1958 and 1961 and, landing on the Second -Team in 1959 and 1960. He was named the MVP of the Mineral Water Bowl in 1958, and also that same year was a member of the MWAA Conference Championship team that was ranked No. 2 in the nation among black colleges. Hooper had a big year in 1961, receiving the Stoke Outstanding Football Player Award, Little American Award and serving as captain of the football team during his senior season.
While Hooper excelled in football, he also competed in track and field. He was voted the Most Versatile Athlete in 1961, after finishing second in the 400-meter hurdle, third in the long jump and second in the mile relay at the MWAA Conference Championships in 1960.
After his playing career, Hooper transitioned into coaching football at various levels. In 1968, he became the first black head coach in the city of PGH , while winning the city championship at South Hills High School. In the 80’s, Hooper continued to lead teams to victory in the state of California. In 1982, while in Parlior, his team won the Yosemite League Championship and wrapped all of that up in 1985 while in San Diego, winning the Division II CIF Championship and being named the Division II Coach of the Year.
