On This Date: March 8, 1975

March 8, 1975 — Four area wrestlers, three from Lehighton, gain Southeast Regional titles, while four others also qualify for states. The Indians’ George Strohl earns gold at 105 pounds with a 5-0 decision, and Rick Brownmiller gains a 3-0 victory to capture the championship at 126. Glenn Neff also adds a first-place finish with a 7-5 decision at 167. Northwestern’s Chris Wentz nabs the other area gold with a 14-1 victory at 98 pounds. Lehighton’s Todd Mertz (132) and Panther Valley’s Herb Whildin (155) finish second to gain a state berth, while the Indians’ Charles Bachert (185) and Palmerton’s Dave Kuehner (112) advance after placing third.