RICE TOPS NCBWA TOP 30 POLL

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 for
the ninth straight week. The Owls join each of the top eight teams in
Omaha at the College World Series. Clemson and Cal State Fullerton
remained second and third in the poll.


The ACC, SEC and Big 12, with six teams in the poll, have the most ranked
teams of any conference. Overall, this week's poll has representation by
11 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.