Michael Young wrestled at San Fernando High School under Sam DeJohn, who inspired him to become a teacher and coach.

He wrestled at California State University at Northridge while earning degrees in history and English.

He became the head wrestling coach at Highland High School in Palmdale in 1989, starting the program with freshmen. Young developed the team into a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section power, leading his teams to 548 varsity dual wins from 1990-2009. After joining the Golden League in 1992, Highland won 15 championships. Young's team won four CIF-SS championships and were runners-up four times.

The powerful man and leader is called the Godfather of wrestling in the Antelope Valley.