DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association
has completed its eighth year of NCAA Division I polls with its final 2005
survey. Weekly polls ran from Feb. 7-June 27, 2005, following the NCAA World
Series in Omaha, Neb. The polls of the 2005 season have had representation
by 14 different conferences and top independents among the 283 baseball-playing
schools in the NCAA Division I ranks.
The Texas Longhorns, winners of the College World Series, top
the final poll. Florida, with its run to the championship series, finished
at No. 2. Tulane, No. 1 in the poll much of the season, dropped to No. 5.
In this final poll, the Southeastern Conference had the most schools represented
with seven, but the Big 12 can boast three of the top six with Baylor finishing
No. 4 and Nebraska ranked sixth.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college
baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of
the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates
and official votes in the Xanthus Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of
the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors the Pro-Line
Cap Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication
and writing contests.