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 Rice Owls completed a 4-0 week, including three wins in
the Rice Invitational, to move to the top spot in the poll. Rice is the
third team this season to occupy the No. 1 ranking. Florida, which was
the top-ranked team for three weeks, fell to No. 5. North Carolina and
Georgia Tech, also both 4-0 this week, moved in behind the Owls at Nos.
2 and 3. Fourth-ranked Clemson gives the ACC three of the top four
teams. Still, with Georgia moving into the rankings, the SEC leads all
conferences with eight teams.
Overall, this week's poll has representation by 10 different conferences
among the 284 baseball-playing schools in the NCAA Division I ranks.
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.