BUFFALO, NY – The #20 Buffalo State women's wrestling team is ready to take the next step for the 2026-27 season, equipped with experience and renewed confidence.
Leading the charge is head coach
Thomas Shifflet, who brought nearly 30 years of coaching experience to the Bengals program in his first season a year ago. Joining him is assistant coach
Nick Rastelli II, whose background and energy have already brought a new spark to the team's culture. The Bengals enter their fourth season of competition for this upcoming season.
Returning for Buffalo State this season are two key contributors in
Hailey Hankinson (Grand Island, NY/North Tonawanda) and
Brooke Tarshis (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush). Tarshis makes her return to the mat this season after missing the 2025-26 campaign and Hankinson earned the program's first ever AMCC All-Conference selection a year ago; earning a spot on the second team and the sportsmanship team.
Shifflet's squad also welcomes 18 new faces featuring
Teegan Sibble (Bolivar, NY/Bolivar-Richburg) and
Selina Moore (Sherburne, NY/Sherburne-Earlville) who are expected to make an impact right out of the gate. The duo transferred to Buffalo State after spending last season at East Stroudsburg. Sibble earned All-America status as a freshman last season while Moore placed fifth at the U23 National Championships and World Team Trials back in April.
In addition, the Bengals were ranked #20 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Preseason Poll. This is the first time in program history that Buffalo State has received national recognition.
The Bengals are set to open their season tomorrow at the Ithaca Invite beginning at 4:00 pm. The first home match for Buffalo State will be November 24 at 6:00 pm vs. Edinboro.
