DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association
continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the ninth year with
its 2006 preseason predictions and weekly surveys. Weekly polls will continue
from Feb. 6 to June 27, following the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb.
The Texas Longhorns, the defending national champions, top the
initial poll of the 2006 season, which has representation by 10 different
conferences among the 284 baseball-playing schools in the NCAA Division
I ranks. Florida, No. 2 in the final 2005 poll, is in the same spot to start
the 2006 campaign. The ACC and SEC each boast six teams in the preseason
poll.
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 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.