COMMACK, Long Island (WABC) — One phone call can change your life. That’s exactly what happened to a high school student on Long Island who is sharing the moment he found out about his admission into West Point.
When high school senior Francesco Delio competes on the mat, he is hyper focused in the moment and always plotting his next move.
It is the same approach the wrestler applies to life.
“I can’t change what’s in the past. I can only change what I’m doing currently and look forward to future events,” Delio said.
It is a maturity not often found in 17-year-olds, and why he serves as Commack High School’s wrestling team’s captain.
It is that same attitude that landed him in the principal’s office on Thursday.
But it wasn’t because he was being sent to detention. He had a surprise call from a member of Congress.
“Frankie, it’s my honor to tell you that West Point also thought that was quite good as well,” said Congressman Nick LaLota in a phone call to Delio. “And quite soon you’re going to see they’re going to offer you an appointment to attend West Point this summer.”
“Wow, thank you sir. I appreciate it. This is, I have no words. Thank you,” Delio said during the phone call.
West Point sees in Delio, what friends and coaches have seen in him for years: a student athlete who is a natural born leader, a young man devoted to community service – not for the recognition – but for the fulfillment, and a dependable friend who inspires peers.
“He likes to help people a lot and as a person he does a lot of community service, and he always tries to make stuff out of it. He always tries to put people together,” said Delio’s friend, Steve Kim.
“He’s everything you want in a kid who leads,” said Delio’s coach, Mike Guercio. “He’s a quiet leader. He’s a leader by example. He’s dedicated. He does all the right things. He’s never going to embarrass the team or the program. He’s just a good kid.”
And as he always does, Delio is plotting his next move.
“The goal that I have, ultimately, is to serve in maybe military intelligence or infantry and then after a few years apply to the program, attend law school and become JAG, which is a military attorney. And then serve until retirement,” Delio said.
———-
* More Long Island news
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
