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OREM, Utah – Utah Valley head wrestling coach Adam Hall has enthusiastically unveiled the program’s 2025 early signing class, which will see the Wolverines bolster their roster with four promising recruits during this signing period. Excitingly, three of these athletes hail from the Beehive State, further strengthening the team’s local ties. The standout of this recruitment class is undoubtedly Herriman’s Layne Kleinmann, who made headlines this week by ranking No. 51 on FloWrestling’s prestigious 2025 Big Board.
“The vision for this class was to go after the top guys in Utah who fit our program. We are fortunate to sign three of the very best in Layne Kleinmann, Geronimo Rivera, and Jason Worthley. Along with top North Carolina transplant Ian Fritz, they fit what we were looking for academically, athletically, and personally. We have built strong relationships with each young man and look forward to helping them reach their personal goals. Our staff is excited about their future and their ability to win at the highest level. Go Wolverines!” said Hall, reflecting on the strategic approach taken in recruiting exceptional talent.
Kleinmann is not only a two-time Utah state champion from Mountain Ridge High School but has also showcased his skills on a national level. He earned All-American status at various prestigious tournaments, including a remarkable semifinal finish at the recent Super Defense Soap Super 32 competition in October. Kleinmann’s versatility is reflected in his experiences with numerous wrestling clubs, such as Grapplers West, Prestige, Sons of Atlas, and Sanderson Wrestling Academy. His accolades include winning last year’s UHSAA 6A Boys’ state championship and topping the podium at both the Utah Freestyle and Greco-Roman championships in 2024.
Jason Worthley, who will be joining Utah Valley from Westfield High School in Taylor, Utah, had an impressive season, taking home a second-place finish at the 2024 UHSAA 6A State Championship, narrowly falling to Kleinmann in the finals. His skills were further validated when he secured victories in the junior boys’ division at the 2024 USA Wrestling Western Region Championships in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles.
Hailing from Hampstead, North Carolina, recruit Ian Fritz has established himself as a dominant force in the wrestling community, being a two-time NCHSAA 4A State champion and a three-time regional champion. Completing his high school career with an outstanding 141-8 record, Fritz not only excelled in state championships but also claimed the North Carolina Freestyle State Championship in May and earned a notable second place at the prestigious 46th annual TarHeel Classic held in April.
Geronimo Rivera Jr., representing Layton, Utah, has a reputation for excellence, coming from the well-regarded Layton High School where he trained under UVU alum Adam Fager. His contributions were instrumental in Layton securing two Utah 6A State Championships. Rivera Jr. is a celebrated three-time state champion and has earned recognition on the national stage as an 11-time All-American, culminating in a national championship victory. Beyond wrestling, he showcased his athleticism as a multi-sport athlete, also engaging in football. In his spare time, he enjoys various hobbies such as mountain biking, drawing, and dirt biking.
Utah Valley is gearing up to host a thrilling match on Friday, Nov. 15, as they face off against No. 3 Oklahoma State in their much-anticipated home-opening dual, set to commence at 7:00 p.m. MT in the UCCU Center.
What qualities did Adam Hall look for in the recruits for Utah Valley University’s 2025 early signing class?
**Interview with Adam Hall, Head Wrestling Coach at Utah Valley University**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today, Coach Hall! We’re excited to dive into your 2025 early signing class. Can you tell us about the key players and the significance of their recruitment?
**Adam Hall:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to announce our newest recruits, which include three talented athletes from Utah: Layne Kleinmann, Geronimo Rivera, and Jason Worthley, along with North Carolina’s Ian Fritz. Our vision was to target the top talent in Utah who not only meet our athletic standards but also align with our academic and personal values. These recruits have all demonstrated their exceptional abilities and strong character.
**Interviewer:** Layne Kleinmann seems to be a standout in this class, having ranked No. 51 on FloWrestling’s 2025 Big Board. What sets him apart from other recruits?
**Adam Hall:** Layne is an extraordinary talent, no question. As a two-time Utah state champion and an All-American at several national tournaments, his accomplishments speak volumes. His recent semifinal finish at the Super Defense Soap Super 32 competition really showcased his competitive edge. But beyond his accolades, it’s his work ethic and adaptability, having trained with numerous wrestling clubs, that make him a perfect fit for our program.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! You mentioned building strong relationships with each recruit. How important is that in the recruitment process?
**Adam Hall:** It’s crucial. We believe that strong relationships form the foundation of a successful team. We want our athletes to know that we genuinely care about their development both as wrestlers and as individuals. That connection helps ensure they are comfortable and motivated to reach their personal goals while representing our program.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear there is a strong local focus this year. How do you think this local talent enhances your program?
**Adam Hall:** Signing three recruits from Utah strengthens our local ties and fosters a sense of community within the team. It builds pride in representing the Beehive State and creates an environment where the wrestlers can support each other, having common experiences both on and off the mat. Local recruits usually have a deeper understanding of the culture here, which can be beneficial for team cohesion.
**Interviewer:** Looking forward, what are your hopes for this signing class?
**Adam Hall:** We are incredibly optimistic about their potential! Our goal is to help them develop into champions, both in their wrestling careers and in their academic pursuits. We see a bright future for them individually as contributors to the Utah Valley wrestling legacy. We can’t wait to see how they grow alongside our existing team.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Coach Hall. We look forward to seeing these recruits in action!
**Adam Hall:** Thank you! Go Wolverines!
