At the 2025 MHSAA Division 1 Wrestling State Finals, brothers Jace and Deacon Morgan made a strong statement on Michigan wrestling. Jace, a senior and captain for Rochester Adams, claimed the school’s second-ever individual wrestling state title, while his younger brother Deacon, a sophomore, finished as state runner-up in his weight class.

Jace Morgan ended his high school career with a title, securing the 138-pound state title with a win over Clarkston’s Preston Lefevre. During his junior year, Jace lost in the state semifinal match and went on to finish fourth.

“Losing in the semi finals my junior year, I can’t forget losing a close match that I should have won,” said Jace. “I was winning, then lost in the last few seconds. Unforgettable.”

Entering his senior season, Jace was considered a strong favorite and one of the best wrestlers in Michigan. Despite the high expectations, he remained composed and confident in the state tournament.

“I truly believed that there was no one in my bracket that could beat me or even come close to me when it came to being the best there,” said Jace. “When I finally stepped on the podium is when it hit me, and I felt like I truly won and deserved to be at the top of that podium.”

Jace’s aggressive, care-free style mirrors his athletic personality. As described by his father and coach, David Morgan,

“Jace has always been very high energy, fearless and at times more reckless with his body when playing sports. He wrestles that way.”

While Jace closed his high school career with a championship, Deacon Mo

rgan proved that his career is only beginning. As a sophomore in the 126-pound division, Deacon reached the state finals, ultimately finishing second in the state, a strong run for the underclassman. Despite his performance, Deacon wasn’t satisfied. 

“I was broke, knowing that I could’ve won the match if it wasn’t for a few mistakes. I like to hold myself to a higher standard, and that’s not what I wanted,” said Deacon.

Even with the loss, Deacon reflects on the match in a positive light.

“Looking back at it, I’m glad I didn’t win. This year made me realize that I need to do more to not settle and achieve what I want.”

Deacon’s style contrasts with his brother’s. While Jace thrives on intensity, Deacon is more calculated and strategic.

“Deacon is naturally more strategic, calculated and likes things to move at his pace,” said Mr. Morgan.

Outside of wrestling, the brothers compete in Varsity Lacrosse, as well as balance academics with their strict training schedule. During the season, Jace and Deacon spend two to three hours a day after school training. They first attend practice with the Adams Varsity team, and train additionally on their own afterwards.

“If you sign up for a sport, activity or event, you are expected to start and finish. You cannot quit during the season or event and are expected to attend practice,” said Mr. Morgan.

Although Jace and Deacon didn’t begin wrestling competitively until fourth and third grade, respectively, they were far from new to athletics. Both Jace and Deacon have been involved in martial arts, football, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse.

“They have always been competitive, multisport athletes,” said their mother, Michelle Morgan. “Wrestling is a sport in which you have to be at your best health.”

The Morgan family are no strangers to wrestling either. David Morgan is a Michigan State  University Athletics Hall of Fame wrestler, with a record breaking 44 single season victories. He played a key role in introducing Jace and Deacon to wrestling, and continues to impact them both as a coach and a father. 

“I would say my dad has had 90% influence on the wrestler I am today, as I wouldn’t have accomplished much at all without him. He is the reason I began the sport and he continues to push me in and out of the season to become the best,” said Deacon.

With his own wrestling experience, David Morgan ensures a balance between being a coach and a parent to Jace and Deacon. 

“I have always tried to express and show them that this is not about me. I wanted them to experience the benefits and the lessons I believe wrestling can teach. That is the main reason I wanted them involved,” said Mr. Morgan.

Even with his father’s significant success in wrestling, and Jace’s state title, Deacon is not phased by the pressure to do the same. In fact, Deacon is driven to accomplish even more.

“His impact at MSU is a huge accomplishment of course, but that’s his well earned achievement not mine. His success surely motivates me, but I want more. And that will be achieved through my hard work and his perseverance with me,” said Deacon. “The expectations I have for myself are higher than those others have for me.”

In addition to Jace and Deacon, younger brothers Cullen and Hudson are also involved in the sport. Their mother, Michelle Morgan, is equally influential, giving constant support through meal prep, encouragement, and unwavering pride.

“As the mother of competitive athletes, I feel my job is to support. That may be in the form of meal prepping, listening, working out with them, hugging, though this may be more for me than them, and always messaging them my unwavering pride,” said Mrs. Morgan.

Despite huge accomplishments on the mat, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan place a higher importance on who Jace and Deacon are as people, always encouraging work ethic and strong values. 

“I’m most proud of who they are. Jace and Deacon have come across opponents who have initiated illegal actions, and they have always taken the high road,” said Mrs. Morgan.

Going forward, Jace has committed to wrestle at the division one level for Michigan State University. 

“MSU was a school I always wanted to go to, and the campus there is something I love. As well as the coaching staff already knowing me and being great, I don’t think I could have picked a better school,” said Jace.

Deacon, while still a sophomore, fully intends on wrestling at the division one level and is keeping his options open.

“I plan on wrestling at a collegiate level,” said Deacon “Knowing my skill, I will wait for a while to fully understand what I’m signing up for before committing anywhere.

With their work ethic, mentality, and support system, it is undoubtable that Jace and Deacon Morgan will accomplish big results in wrestling, and the brothers are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

“I’m just getting started,” said Jace.