HERSHEY - It didn’t take long for Luke Fugazzotto to have his hand raised at the PIAA Wrestling Championships.

Buck Miller wasn’t far behind.

The Northwestern pair posted preliminary round victories in the Class 2A bracket on the opening day of the state tournament Thursday morning.

Fugazzotto received a forfeit in his 160-pound bout, while Miller dispatched Beth-Center’s Jake Layhue with a first-period pin in his 189-pound match on a nearby mat just moments later.

For Miller, who is making his second straight appearance in Hershey, it was just the icebreaker he was looking for.

“It feels great,” said Miller. “Definitely got the nerves out quick.”

Miller (32-9) didn’t waste time seizing momentum with the first takedown 0:31 into the match against Layhue (38-12). He added two back points near the midway point of the first period before finishing the match at the 1:17 mark.

“I’ve just been working on a couple of areas that needed work,” said Miller, who was fifth at last week’s Southeast Regional Tournament. “Practicing the same things we always do, kind of a little more relaxed. I was hoping Luke could get some of that weight off (of his shoulders).”

Miller was 0-2 at last year’s state tournament. He lost two close bouts, falling to Bald Eagle Area’s Caleb Close 1-0, and Jalen Wagner of Reynolds 5-2.

Layhue was fourth at regionals, second at districts and was a runner-up at his section tournament.

“I feel a lot looser,” said Miller. “I definitely found a little bit of a pace for states. Just have to get ready for the next one.”

Fugazzotto (36-8) was hoping to also find his stride in his preliminary bout, which was scheduled to be against Jefferson Morgan’s Chase Frameli (33-9).

Frameli was a state qualifier last year, and placed sixth at both regionals and districts this season after winning his sectional tournament. While Fugazzotto was looking forward to the opportunity to wrestle, he’s eager to make the most of his first trip to the Giant Center.

“It’s really fun so far, just being in this big arena and everything,” said Fugazzotto. “I really like the atmosphere.”

Fugazzotto, who was fourth last week at regionals, has experienced it before as a fan, watching the finals on some occasions.

Now, he’s looking forward to adding to his own legacy during a season that has already included District 11 and Colonial League titles.

“I’m just going to keep trying to wrestle my best, and see where it takes me,” said Fugazzotto.

MOVING ON

... Miller will wrestle Paul Renner of Honesdale, who had a bye into the first round. Renner is the Northeast Regional champion and has a record of 38-11. Fugazzotto will wrestle Laurel’s Grant MacKay in the first round. MacKay, who also had a bye, is 43-1 and was the Southwest Regional champion. He was a state champion in 2021 and a runner-up a year ago.

LOOKING AHEAD

... The Class 2A first round matches continue Thursday morning, followed by the first round consolations at 1:15 p.m.

Class 2A action resumes on Friday with quarterfinals and second round consolations at 9 a.m., followed by third round consolations at 11:45. The 2A semifinals and fourth round consolations will be held Friday night at 7:30 p.m., with the fifth round consolations to follow at 9:30. The 2A tournament will conclude Saturday, which includes the PWCA AA Coach of the Year presentation at 1:40 p.m., followed by the Parade of Champions at 1:45 and the finals, third-, fifth- and seventh-place matches at 2.