SPOKANE, Wash. -- Whitworth men's basketball coach Jim Hayford has hired Craig Fortier and Josh Downey as assistant coaches for the 2007-08 season.

Craig Fortier (photo courtesy of CSU Sports Information Office)

Fortier comes to Whitworth from Colorado State University, where he served as an administrative assistant for the men's basketball team last season, coordinating film sessions and all video scouting reports among other responsibilities. Prior to his time at CSU, Fortier was a graduate assistant for Gonzaga University for two seasons.

Fortier was also formerly an assistant coach at Cal State - Monterey Bay for the 2003-2004 season, the same school for which he played and from which he graduated. He was the Otters' most inspirational player as a senior.

While a G.A. at Gonzaga, Fortier completed his Master's degree in Sport and Athletic Administration.

"Craig has great experience with coaches I really respect and comes highly recommended," said Whitworth head coach Jim Hayford. "He has tremendous energy and passion for the game and we are fortunate to have him join our program."

Coaching is an important part of Fortier's family. His wife Lisa was just named to the women's basketball staff at Gonzaga.

Downey brings NCAA Division III coaching experience to the Pirate staff from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, were he served two separate terms on the Cobbers' staff, most recently this past season. In between, Downey was also a G.A. at Gonzaga during the 2005-06 season.

Josh Downey (photo courtesy of Concordia SID Office)

Downey earned his M.A. in Sport and Athletic Administration from Gonzaga and graduated with his B.A.from Concordia in 2004.

Downey has more than six years of experience running basketball camps and has also worked as a varsity elite AAU coach in Montana (summer of 2005).

Downey starred at Concordia where he was named First Team All-MIAC and led the Cobbers in scoring as a senior.

"Josh has experience as a G.A. at Gonzaga and also at the Division III level. He understands our region and our level of play," said Hayford. "He was highly recommended as a good recruiter."

Fortier and Downey join a program coming off of a 24-4 season and a Northwest Conference title.

Hayford is replacing former long-time Pirate coach Rodney Wecker, who was named the head coach at Austin College (Texas) in May.