SOUTH CAROLINA TOPS NCBWA DIVISION I POLL

DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 15th year with its 2012 weekly surveys. Polls will be circulated from Feb. 20-June 28, following the 66th annual NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb., at the second-year TD Ameritade Stadium.


Two-time defending NCAA champ South Carolina holds the No. 1 position for the first time in 2012. Previously, Florida State (four times) and Florida has (eight times during the first 13 surveys) have been No. 1, and ACC and SEC remain as the two conferences represented atop the poll in 2012.


The poll voters come from 42 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation. This week's poll has representation by 12 different conferences among the 291 baseball-playing schools in the 2012 NCAA Division I ranks, and there have been 21 circuits and independents in the surveys this season. Last year there were 16 different leagues (from 30 in NCAA Division I) among the Top 30 polls.


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 the Pro-Line Athletic Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.