“Mike Houck’s gold in 1985 broke the final medal barrier for American Greco Roman wrestlers and paved the way for myself and fellow Olympic medalist Matt Lindland. I couldn’t have done it without Mike!”

Rulon Gardner, 2000 Olympic Champion and 2001 World Champion

“Mike Houck was my fiercest American opponent. We battled for years. Love his insights in this great book! Wow!”

Steve Fraser, 1984 Olympic Champion

“Let’s Go! America’s 1st Greco-Roman World Gold Medalist tells his Gold Medal Story in Gold Medal Fashion. I read it in one sitting due to the inspiring writing style and nuggets of wisdom shared – Wild Tiger, Stick and Move, Honor God. Great lessons shared to be successful in life.”

Joe Russell, Freestyle Programs Manager USA Wrestling

“This book is not simply a story of triumphs and accomplishments. It’s an honest account of victories, setbacks, struggles, and the lessons found in all of them. Through it all, Mike reminds us that life is not defined by what we achieve, but by how we pursue it. Character, intention, and heart matter more than the outcome.”

Pat Smith, 4x Pan American Championships, Final X, US World Team Trials, and U.S. Open

“How do you go 0-7 at the state wrestling championships and become the first Greco-Roman World champion in U.S. history? Mike Houck shares the steps it took to achieve the seemingly impossible, and what we can learn from his improbable rise to the top. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a higher level.”

Kyle Klingman, FloWrestling Content Creator

“We have records through the course of history of individuals who have done what others thought impossible. One of those impossible feats was that an American could win a World Title in Greco Roman Wrestling. Mike walks us through the steps of his physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual epic saga, with a vulnerability most are too proud to admit. His need for Jesus Christ and a reliance on those God placed in his life to help him rise above the internal and external obstacles to do the impossible and become America’s first Greco Roman World Champion.“

Jim Gruenwald, 2x Olympian, Head Wrestling/Strength Coach

“Beyond the Breaking Point tells the story of his quest for Olympic glory and a World Championship in Greco-Roman wrestling… Mike’s is a David versus Goliath story; he and his band of brothers at the Minnesota Wrestling Club set out to challenge an Eastern European juggernaut. Mike was ultimately successful, becoming the first American to win a World Championship in the sport, defeating a two-time and defending world champion from the Soviet Union in the process.”

Shaun Koos, Co-author of Eyewitness – My Journey to the Hague

“Having known Mike Houck for more than two decades, I can honestly say that few people have the ability to articulate the struggles, doubts, and questions of the human heart the way he does in this book. Beyond the Breaking Point is an inspiring reminder that while achievement may satisfy for a moment, true purpose, peace, and freedom are found in Christ.”

Ned Shuck, Head Wrestling Coach at Bellarmine University

“Mike gives a good understanding of God’s hand in the midst of loss or disappointment and describes how he kept faith in God through difficulties, especially detailing the pressure he felt leading up to crucial matches and how he let go of the fear.”

Stephen Barrett, 1977 NCAA Champion and Author of The Unlikely Missionary

“Coach Mike Houck has been one of the most influential mentors in my life. His story inspired me to think bigger, push beyond my limits, and pursue a life of purpose. What makes Mike unique is his ability to take extraordinary experiences and uncover the lessons that connect us all—hard work, resilience, freedom, integrity, and heart.“

Pat Smith, 4x Pan American Championships, Final X, US World Team Trials, and U.S. Open

“Beyond the Breaking Point is a powerful testimony of perseverance and redemption. From shattered dreams to the pinnacle of athletic achievement, Mike Houck’s journey reveals how God can redeem even our greatest disappointments and use them to shape a destiny beyond anything we could imagine.”

Scott Kirk, Author, Pastoral Counselor and Playwright: Unshackled Radio

“Mike pours a lifetime of experience as an athlete, teacher, coach, and parent into the telling. His book is an honest, inspirational and instructive guide to becoming a champion in both athletics and life… I would rank it on par with classics like Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success or Percy Cerutty’s How to be a Champion.”

Shaun Koos, Author of Eyewitness – My Journey to the Hague

“Honest, vulnerable, and deeply inspiring, Mike’s story challenges readers to give their whole mind, body, and soul to a purpose while embracing both triumph and disaster as part of the journey. I’m grateful to have learned from him, and excited that others now have the opportunity to do the same.”

Pat Smith, 4x Pan American Championships, Final X, US World Team Trials, and U.S. Open

“This book is a great example of how God gives us perseverance, hard work and toughness to overcome disappointments. Mike is an amazing communicator. His use of details makes life stories come alive. These stories show us how Mike Houck became the coach who laid the foundation for the U.S. Greco Roman wrestling team to be World Champions in 2007.  This is a compelling, must-read book.”

John Peterson, Freestyle Olympic Champion – 1976 Gold Medal and 1972 Silver Medal

“What makes this story unforgettable is not the championship victory itself, but the discovery that true success is not measured by medals or applause, but by surrendering one’s life to a higher calling.”

Scott Kirk, Author, Pastoral Counselor and Playwright: Unshackled Radio