FM girls coach Sargent dies Thursday

FORT MADISON - Fort Madison head girls varsity basketball coach Tony Sargent died Thursday after a sudden illness Tuesday.
Sargent was the head coach of the Lady Hounds for the past three years after coming over from Central Lee High School.
The Fort Madison School District released a statement Friday morning regarding the death.
"The Fort Madison School District is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Tony Sargent. Tony has been an inspiration not only as a coach for our Fort Madison Girls High School basketball program, but also as a friend and mentor to our staff, students, and families.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Tony's family and friends at this time."
Sargent had turned around the girls basketball program with 8 wins in his first year after the Hounds had just three wins in the previous two years.
Despite early exits in post season play the last two years, Sargent's 2020 squad won the Southeast Conference for the first time since 1998.
Sargent was taken to the hospital Tuesday with an undisclosed condition.