Former Paladin Standout Nusum Named Bermuda's Male Athlete-of-the-Year

April 5, 2005

Former Furman men's soccer standout John Barry Nusum was named Bermuda's Male Athlete-of-the-Year, it was announced at the Bermuda government's Annual Sports Awards Programme. The Devonshire, Bermuda, native tallied seven goals for his home nation in World Cup qualifying in 2004 to become the first professional athlete to earn the honor.

Nusum, who completed his Paladin career in 2001 as Furman's all-time leader in goals (65) and career points (161) before being drafted by Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew, is currently a member of the Philadelphia KiXX of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Nusum has tallied 27 goals in 27 matches to lead his squad to a playoff berth. The forward currently rankes sixth in the MISL in goals scored and total points.

Each year, the Bermuda government conducts the Annual Sports Awards Programme to recognize significant achievements by their athletes, administrators, corporate sponsors, coaches, and support personnel. There are five award categories, highlighted by the announcement of the coveted Male and Female Athlete of the Year award. A panel of sports news reporters, Olympic Standards Committee representatives and independent sport authorities determine the recipients by a secret ballot that utilizes a point system. The vote of the chair of the committee is counted only in the event of a tie.

Some of the dignitaries at the event included The Premier of Bermuda, The Hon. W. Alexander Scott, JP, MP who presented Nusum with his award, The Minister of Community Affairs & Sport, The Hon. Dale D. Butler JP, MP and other elected government officials, sport governing body executives and the other nominees. This year's event was held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel and was televised live in Bermuda.

Nusum, a consensus all-american selection as a senior at Furman in 2001, tallied five goals in qualifying against Montserrat before registering two goals as Bermuda was eliminated by El Salvador.