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 Atlantic Coast Conference has the top three teams in the poll, including
No. 1 Georgia Tech. A 3-1 week improved the Yellow Jackets to 16-1 overall,
while No. 2 Florida State went 4-0 to run their overall record to 18-1. The Seminoles
moved up three spots. North Carolina is third in the poll, ahead of Rice,
previously ranked No. 1 the past two weeks. Clemson, at No. 5 with a 10-3
mark, gives the ACC four of the top five teams in the rankings.
The SEC, with eight teams in the poll, including each of the teams ranked
7-10, leads all conferences. The ACC has six ranked teams. Overall, this
week's poll has representation by ten 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.