The Seibolds Are a Hall of Fame FamilyHorseshoes Are for the YoungBy: Charles Johnston, President, Clearwater Horseshoe ClubWhen you read an article about someone getting elected to the Hall of Fame you probably only remember he or she was a great athlete, or a great coach, or someone who devoted their life to the sport of the game in other ways. To receive this honor the individual has to be dedicated to the point that the ultimate goal is to be the best. It takes years to achieve this recognition by your peers, and especially by the committee who selects these individuals to this prestigious honor. To be elected to the Hall of Fame is the greatest honor that can be bestowed on a player of any sport, or a player and representative of the sport. To have a second member of the family elected to the World Hall of Fame is indeed a truly remarkable achievement. To have a third member of the family selected is unheard of. The Seibold Family of Huntington IN. has achieved this remarkable milestone. Bonnie Seibold (mother) Curly Seibold (father) Mark Seilbold (son). This family is not only in the Indiana Horseshoe Hall of Fame, they are also in the prestigious National Horseshoe Pitching Association( N.H.P.A) Hall of Fame. I met Mark Seibold two years ago when I joined the Clearwater Horseshoe Club, where Mark is also a member. After getting to know some of the players I learned that Mark was a world champion. After talking to Mark and several other world recognized players, I discovered that not only was Mark a Hall of Fame Member, but also his Mother and Father. To give you a little background on this family you will better understand how this came about. Bonnie Seibold was a 17 times Indiana Women State Champion. Bonnie was elected to the IN. Hall of Fame in 1976, qualified 22 times for the Women World Championship. Her best finish was runner up in 1980. Since then Bonnie served 28 years as vice president of the N. H. P.A. Bonnie was elected to the National hall of Fame in 1985. Curley Seibold is a two- times IN. Elders champion. In 2000-Curley won the 30-ft World’s Elder Champion. Curley has pitched 24 years in various World Championship Classes. He has finished in the top ten position 16 times. In Indiana Curley was also a distributor of Horseshoe apparel for many years. Curley was elected to the IN Hall of Fame in 1987 and In 2008 he was elected to the National Hall of Fame . Mark Seibold’s parents must have been an enormous influence on him. Mark started pitching Horseshoes at eight years of age. From 1965-1970 Mark was the IN. Jr. Boys State Champion In 1966 Mark won the Jr. Boys World Championship at 13 years of age and again in 1969. Mark was inducted to the IN. Junior’s Hall of Fame in 1979. Mark moved up to the Men’s league and since that time he has won the Indiana Men’s League 21 times. He had a string of 11 years in a row during his 21 victories. His most recent win was in 2007. Mark has also pitched in the Men’s World Championship, and was the Men’s World Champion in 1979 and 1986. For 10 years Mark finished no less than fifth place. Mark is still a dominant Horseshoe pitcher. Not to forget about his sister. Bonita won the Girl’s IN. State championship in 1967 and went on to win that same year as the first Girl to win the Jr. World Championship. Bonita was inducted to the Indiana Jr. Girl Hall of Fame in 1979. The Seibold family has to be one of the most competitive families in the game of Horseshoes. It just goes to show you what practice can do.
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