March 15, 1979 Eight wrestlers from the TIMES NEWS area win their opening round matchups at the PIAA state wrestling championships. Northwestern advances four, while Lehighton and Panther Valley each have two move on to the quarterfinal round. The Tigers' Vince Stravino records a 15-3 win at 105 pounds while teammate Greg Stewart earns a 7-0 decision at 112. Scott Fenstermacher also advances with a fall at 132 with Kurt Wentz, at 98 pounds, gaining a default win. The Indians' Mark Kunkle posts a 15-4 at 126 pounds while Steve Brownmiller uses a 4-3 decision to advance at 132. PV's Tony Tessitore wins an 11-5 decision at 145 pounds, and Duane Slonaker moves on at 185 with a 6-5 victory.