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
through June 27, following the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb.
The Florida Gators opened the season with an impressive
three-game sweep of Cincinnati to keep a stronghold of the top spot in
the poll. Rice and Oregon State remained right behind, while Clemson
moved up to No. 4.
Overall, this week's poll has representation by 11 different
conferences among the 284 baseball-playing schools in the NCAA Division
I ranks. The SEC has seven teams in the poll, but the ACC, with six,
boasts four of the top eight squads.
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 Pro-Line Cap/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.