Learn more about the 2020-21 Golden Bears selects below! All four of the Golden Bears selects are returning student-athletes, with Desmond Young and Andrew Gittis winning a Canada West title with the Golden Bears in 2020.
 

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Name: Ryan Jacques
Year: 3rd
Faculty: Science
Career Accomplishments: 
- Selected for Team Canada for the 2021 World Junior Men's Curling Championship
- Two-time U18 Provincial Champion (2016, 2018)
- Three-time Metro Edmonton High School Curling City Champion (2016, 2017, 2018)
- U21 Alberta Junior Champion (2020)
- Silver medalist at 2018 U18 Men's Curling Championship
- Gold medalist for mixed doubles curling at the 2016 Alberta Winter Games

Why did you come to the University of Alberta: 
I chose the University of Alberta because it is a world-class institution right in my own backyard. I started curling summer camps at the Saville Sports Centre when I was very young, and stuck with it all the way through, including taking part in the Green & Gold U18 program while I was in high school. The UofA also has a very renowned computing science program, and I had completed two high school summer internships working on an AI curling project under Dr. Michael Bowling. 

Something Interesting about Ryan Jacques: 
I love computing science and playing the piano!
 

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Third
Name: Desmond Young
Year: 2nd
Faculty: Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation
Career Accomplishments: 
- Two-time Alberta Junior Champion (2019, 2020)
- 2020 U SPORTS bronze medalist

Why did you come to the University of Alberta: 
I chose to compete for the University of Alberta because when I played their teams in my high school days they were very good and would usually beat me. Playing the teams with the big "A" on their chest carried with it a level of respect as not only great athletes but great student-athletes. I am also very passionate in my student role and therefore wanted to join the select few people who are fortunate enough to call themselves Golden Bears curlers.

Something Interesting about Desmond Young: 
During the off season I love spending my time deep in the Rocky Mountains running and hiking to stay active and enjoy my summers.
 

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Second
Name: Andrew Gittis
Year: 3rd
Faculty: Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation
Career Accomplishments: 
- 2020 Alberta Junior Men's Champion
- 2020 Canadian Junior Men's fourth place
- 2020 U SPORTS bronze medalist
- 2020 Canada West Champion
- 2019 U SPORTS bronze medalist
- 2019 Canada West Champion

Why did you come to the University of Alberta: 
Growing up in Pennsylvania, I really did not know much at all about the University of Alberta until meeting UofA alumni, Brendan Bottcher. During a camp in Pennsylvania, Bottcher found out that I was a Canadian citizen and recommended I look into the University of Alberta. After visiting and learning more about the university, I was immediately hooked by the high caliber of both the school and its curling program. The University of Alberta was a clear choice for me as a school where I could reach a high level in my curling and my academics at the same time.

Something Interesting about Andrew Gittis:
Outside of school and curling, I spend much of my time in the mountains. I am an avid rock climber and alpinist, and currently pursuing a profession as a ACMG certified mountain guide.
 

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Lead
Name: Gabe Dyck
Year: 2nd
Faculty: Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation
Career Accomplishments: 
- Selected for Team Canada for the 2021 World Junior Men's Curling Championship
- Two-time Alberta Junior Provincial Champion
- 2018 U18 National Silver Medalist
- Two-time U18 Alberta Provincial Champion

Why did you come to the University of Alberta: 
I came to the UofA and compete for the Golden Bears, because becoming a Golden Bear was a goal of mine ever since I started curling here at the Saville 14 years ago. As I developed as a curler I would always see the Bears and Pandas practicing a few sheet over and saw not only how good the players were, but what a good culture the teams had. Now having the opportunity to represent such a high level program is incredibly inspiring.

Something Interesting about Gabe Dyck:  
I was born in Quebec and moved to Edmonton only one year before first starting curling.