Pinkerton's Lacroix accepts appointment to West Point

DERRY – The son of a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps, Tom Lacroix has been forever linked to the military.

“I’ve liked the lifestyle my dad has created since I was little. He had a strong sense of purpose every day he went to work. It’s always something that I wanted to do,” said Lacroix, a Pinkerton Academy senior.

But even he really could not fathom how the past year or so has played out. Lacroix, an Astros wrestling captain, recently received his appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Tom Lacroix’s son will be a Cadet in the Class of 2028.

“I thought West Point would be a reach for me, and I had some backups,” said the younger Lacroix. “I’m pretty excited about the opportunity to challenge myself and see what I’m able to do there. It’s someplace I really wanted to be with people I really wanted to be with.”

The news of Lacroix’s appointment resounded pretty loudly at his current academy, especially in the Astros’ wrestling program.

“He’s definitely got leadership in his DNA. It was clear to us as a sophomore, but as he’s matured. He has developed into a more confident leader both with the team and in the classroom,” said Pinkerton wrestling coach David Rhoads. “It is impressive, and quite an honor for him to be accepted.

“As a program, we’re as proud of our athletes that enlist, go on to a career in the trades or head off to college. They all find success in different ways, but being disciplined and of strong character is what we strive for. This solidifies that statement.”

Lacroix understands what the life and commitment entail. As a child he moved around before the family settle in Auburn when he was in the fourth grade. His dad deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I think his military service helped me narrow down the decisions for me to do in life,” said Tom, who is interested in West Point’s “defense and strategic studies” major with eyes on a career in it. “My father’s insights gave me more insight when it comes to the weight or gravity of what I’ve chosen to do.

“I do see the military long term. I’ve always had the mindset that if I’m going into the military it’s a lifetime career, something I want to stick with.”

A strong student – although he admits that his mom, Colleen, has been a “huge boost” in math – Lacroix began taking the idea of an academy appointment about a year ago.

He took part in summer programs at both West Point and Annapolis.

“West Point was the one I clicked with better,” he said.

After that there were a series of physical training tests and a medical exam before he received a “Letter of Assurance” that stated basically if he received a congressional nomination, he’d be accepted.

Lacroix got two, plus a Presidential Nomination as well.

At West Point, he is hoping to find a way to continue on the mat. The Cadets are a Division 1 college power, so that will be an uphill climb.

“Their team is really good. I talked to coach Rhoads about it, and I’m thinking about walking-on, just to be a practice guy and get myself the opportunity to try,” said Lacroix, who started wrestling a a sophomore when he made a switch from competitive rock-climbing. “Wrestling is the sport I’ve found helps me channel my hard work in a way that I enjoy. I do enjoy the sport that much.”