Dave Facinoli grew up in Prince George’s County, Md. and attended Friendly High School. After attending Prince’s George Community College and James Madison University, where he covered sports on both college papers, he launched a local newspaper career that included roles as the sports editor of the Alexandria Gazette, the Arlington Sun Gazette and GazetteLeader, and other local papers.
Once prohibited in Arlington County, pole vaulting is now allowed, and the event has become quite popular at two public high schools in the county.
With the 2026 outdoor spring high-school season now underway, a number of vaulters from Arlington schools, girls and boys, are expected to be among the best during regular-season and postseason meets.