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 won the Conference USA championship and head into
the NCAA Tournament as the NCBWA's top-ranked team. The Owls are No. 1 in
the land for the seventh straight week. Clemson won the ACC tournament and
remained No. 2, while Cal State Fullerton secured its third straight Big
West title and is ranked third.
The ACC, with seven teams in the poll, has the most ranked teams of any
conference. Overall, this week's poll has representation by 13 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.