Curtis Kmyta packs a big game in his five-foot-eight frame and will go next-level in 2017-18 with the Columbia Bible College Bearcats. ERIC J. WELSH/ THE PROGRESS

Curtis Kmyta packs a big game in his five-foot-eight frame and will go next-level in 2017-18 with the Columbia Bible College Bearcats. ERIC J. WELSH/ THE PROGRESS

GW Graham Grizzly basketball grad signs with Bearcats

Curtis Kmyta will take his game to Abbotsford's Columbia Bible College in the PACWest conference.

Graduating GW Graham basketball star Curtis Kmyta is staying close to home as he starts his collegiate career.

The guard has signed on with the Abbotsford-based Columbia Bible College Bearcats for the 2017-18 season, becoming the third Grizzly to commit to a collegiate team since last season ended. Jon Steele is going to Thompson Rivers University while Gabe Mannes heads to the Saskatchewan-based Briercrest College Clippers.

“Curtis is one of the first players at Graham that I coached from Grade 7 through 12, and he’s been a huge part of the development of basketball at GWG,” said his high school coach, Jake Mouritzen. “The school gym opened every morning at 5:30 a.m. and Curtis was always there to open the doors.

“His work ethic and commitment to the game is like no other. His desire to succeed in a ‘big man’s’ game has fueled his five foot eight frame from the first day he picked up a basketball and the entire GWG basketball family wishes Curtis the very best at the next level.”

Kmyta’s new team plays in the PACWest conference alongside Vancouver Island University, Langara, Capilano, Douglas College, Quest University and Camosun College.

The Bearcats limped to a 2-16 record last season.

See pacwestbc.ca/sports/mbkb/index

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