On a serene Sunday evening, beneath a vivid spring sky, the Manhattan Country Club golf course gleamed in the gentle weather, creating the perfect backdrop for a gathering of the Sieben family. Spanning three generations, these men came together for a routine golf outing, enveloped in a light-hearted air of friendly competition. Amidst the lush zoysia grass, their laughter intertwined, forging bonds that will endure long after the final putt drops.
The Sieben family is a closely-knit unit, with each member bringing their own unique set of talents and passions. The patriarch of the family is Mike Sieben, a man known for his integrity and warmth. Born in 1949 in Winchester, Jefferson County, Kansas, he graduated from K-State in 1971 with a degree in physical education. After a brief stint in teaching in St. George, Mike began a career in the crop insurance business, a journey that spanned his entire career until his retirement in 2015.
During his college years, Mike crossed paths with Cheryl Brown at Kite’s Bar & Grill. Cheryl, from a family deeply rooted in college basketball, graduated from Dodge City High School before studying family and child development at K-State. Their serendipitous meeting blossomed into a relationship, culminating in marriage and the joyful arrival of their two sons, Shane and Scott. Cheryl served at the director of the Aggieville Business Association, before pivoting to a career in the crop insurance business as well.
Reflecting on his sons, Mike, with an eight-iron in hand, remarks, “Shane and Scott are both the hard workers.” Then, with a laugh, he adds, “Thank goodness they got their work habit from their mother."
Mike's pride in his sons is evident. He remarks, "The success of both is just something that Cheryl and I are so proud of. People always tell us how good of kids they are. And I tell you, there is just something in your heart that goes ‘boom, boom, boom’ when you hear all of that.”
Shane, the elder son, is a dedicated educator and head coach for football and baseball at Rock Creek High School. A K-State alum, Shane has served USD 383 as a history teacher for nearly a decade. With two state baseball championships under his belt, he fosters a culture of excellence and sportsmanship through meticulous guidance and unwavering encouragement. His influence transcends victories, leaving a profound mark on those he mentors. Shane and his wife Tori, have one son, Cooper.
Scott, the younger son, is a savvy entrepreneur, known for developing a thriving restaurant group celebrated for its culinary mastery and community involvement. With a commitment to excellence, he has cultivated a trio of establishments known for superb food and vibrant atmospheres. From the cozy ambiance of Mr. K’s to the charming allure of Rockin’ K’s, and the lively buzz of Kite’s, each venue reflects Scott's dedication to creating memorable experiences. His entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach have garnered widespread acclaim, establishing him as a revered figure locally and beyond. Scott, also a proud K-State alum, received the K-State Entrepreneur Award in 2019. Scott can even be spotted behind the wheel of the MHK Trolley, an enterprise he also owns. Scott and his wife Lindsay, a K-State alumna, are proud parents of three sons: Kayson, Kolt, and Kade.
The Sieben family's legacy carries on through their four grandsons, each with distinctive interests and dreams. Cooper, the eldest at 17 and soon to be a senior at Rock Creek, finds joy in baseball. Meanwhile, Scott's younger sons each bring their unique qualities: Kayson shines with charisma, Kolt exudes spunkiness, and Kade lovingly observes his brothers and cousin. Mike remarks, “The oldest grandkid [Cooper] is a heck of a pitcher right now for Rock Creek. Then I’ve got these three younger ones growing up. So, Cheryl and I are going to stay young for a long time chasing them!”
On his family legacy, Shane reflects, “Being a Sieben is who I am. Family is everything to us. I was blessed to be raised in this family. Mike and Cheryl are as good as they get.”
Scott adds, “It truly was great being raised a Sieben. It really has been everything.”
The Sieben's gatherings resonate with laughter, shared stories, and the strength of a solid family bond. With diverse accomplishments and shared values, the Siebens inspire others to pursue excellence, while treasuring the moments they share.
"Mike and Cheryl are as good as they get.” - Shane Sieben
"People always tell us how good of kids they are. And I tell you, there's just something in your heart that goes ‘boom, boom, boom’ when you hear all of that." - Mike Sieben