March 19, 1981 — Five area wrestlers open the state tournament with victories in the opening round. Lehighton’s Dennis Semmel, Keith Sensinger and Larry Stern all post wins in their first match, as does Slatington’s Jimmy Milot and Panther Valley’s Marty Maurer. Semmel earns a 12-1 triumph over Kirk Hassinger of Middleburg at 98 pounds, while Milot posts an 11-1 win at the same weight class. Sensinger gains a 3:29 pin of Elco’s Scott Hebling at 167, and teammate Stern also delivers a fall against Ron Keifer of Montrose at heavyweight. The Panthers’ Maurer also registers a pin, stopping Rick Biley of Big Spring in 3:29.