DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 17th year with its 2014 weekly surveys. Polls will be circulated from Feb. 17-June 26 (weekly through June 10) following the 68th annual NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb., at TD Ameritade Park.
Virginia (6-1) has moved into the top spot in the latest poll. The Cavaliers were 4-0 last week and moved up three spots from number four, replacing Oregon State atop the rankings.
Cal State Fullerton (preseason No. 1) and Oregon State (Feb. 17) have also held down the No. 1 position in the initial three 2014 rankings. Last year Atlantic Coast and Southeastern Conference schools were No. 1 every week until UCLA captured the 2013 NCAA title.
The current survey has representation by nine different conferences among the 302 baseball-playing schools in the 2014 NCAA Division I ranks. The rankings of 2013 had a NCBWA-poll record 22 different DI conferences and independents rated at least one week while 12 separate circuits had team rankings in 13.
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 NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.