FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Recent Methodist University graduate and former men's soccer player Eirik Nordseth was announced as the Mason Sykes Cup award winner for 2015-16 on Monday afternoon.
 
Named for Methodist coach Mason Sykes, the award is handed out annually to the University's top student-athlete. Based on outstanding athletic achievement, and a minimum grade-point average of 2.0, the Methodist coaching staff has chosen an annual winner every year since 1986. Nordseth becomes the first men's soccer player to take home the award.
 
Nordseth put the cap on a stellar career by garnering Third Team All-America, First Team All-South Atlantic Region and First Team All-USA South honors in his final season. He was second in the conference with 16 goals and totaled 35 points on the season for a team that went 14-5-3, won the USA South Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
 
With 62 career goals and 139 career points, Nordseth stands as the Monarchs' career leader in each category. He was a four-time first team all-conference honoree, a four-time all-region selection, the 2011 USA South Rookie of the Year and a two-time conference tournament MVP.
 
A native of Steinkjer, Norway, he is currently playing soccer professionally in his home country.
 
All-Time Mason Sykes Cup Winners
1986 - Doug Garner, baseball
1987 - Karen Grant, women's track and field
1988 - Jansen Evans, baseball
1989 - Mike Brewington, baseball
1990 - John McCullough, men's golf
1991 - Anne Thorpe, women's soccer & Jay Kirkpatrick, baseball
1992 - Mike Rohr, baseball
1993 - Ryan Jenkins, men's golf
1994 - Anne Uleman, women's basketball, softball
1995 - Kelly Cap, women's golf
1996 - Mike Adamson, men's golf
1997 - Jason Childers, men's basketball
1998 - Tracey Gage, women's golf
1999 - Tracey Gage, women's golf
2000 - Heather Hugus, softball
2001 - Elena Blanina, women's tennis
2002 - Elena Blanina, women's tennis
2003 - Michelle Meadows, women's golf
2004 - Adam Horton, men's golf
2005 - Charlotte Williams, women's golf
2006 - Charlotte Williams, women's golf
2007 - Katie Dick, women's golf
2008 - Susan Martin, women's golf
2009 - Susan Martin, women's golf
2010 - Susan Martin, women's golf
2011 - Paige Caldwell, women's golf
2012 - Ashlynn Chavis, women's track and field
2013 - Mike Wesko, men's golf
2014 - Max Reber, football
2015 - Max Reber, football
2016 - Eirik Nordseth, men's soccer