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.
Despite have their winning streak snapped at 14 games at Oklahoma, the Rice Owls
rebounded to sweep Southern Miss and keep their No. 1 ranking. While
North Carolina, Nebraska and Cal State Fullerton round out a top four
that remains unchanged, Georgia Tech and Oregon State each made a big
climb in the poll with perfect weeks. The Yellow Jackets are ranked 5th
and the Beavers moved up to No. 6.
The ACC, with eight teams in the poll, has the most ranked teams of any
conference. Overall, this week's poll has representation by 12 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.