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 remained the top-ranked team in the NCBWA poll as
each of the Top 5 teams advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals. Rice is No.
1 for the seventh straight week. The Owls have won a national best 53 games
heading into the round of 16. Five different conferences are represented
among the NCBWA Top 5.
The ACC and the SEC, with six teams in the poll, have 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.