The next steps are always exciting for a high school athlete, and both Hermantown lacrosse and Northwestern football will send their latest off to the next level.

Kale Smith is headed to Montevallo University after a big season with Hermantown/Proctor lacrosse, where he posted 31 goals and 23 assists for a total of 54 points and a whopping average of more than 4 points per contest.

Montevallo is in Alabama and plays in the Peach Belt Conference.

Another prep star has earned his way to the next level, that’s Bryce Ronchi of Northwestern football.

Ronchi announced his commitment to UW-Stout.

Ronchi was an all region fullback and inside linebacker for the Tigers, and put up some video game numbers. Two seasons ago he put up 868 yards and 19 touchdowns, and this season he had 783 yards and 18 touchdowns.