DALLAS (NCBWA) – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 12th year with its 2009 preseason predictions and weekly surveys. Weekly polls will continue from Feb. 23 through June 25 following the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb.

The poll voters come from 32 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation. After a preseason Top 35 listing, the remainder of the polls will feature a national Top 30.

North Carolina has received the No. 1 preseason nod for the first time in NCBWA history after coach Mike Fox's crew closed 54-14 and third in the final 2008 NCBWA survey. The Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse was runner-up in both 2006 and '07 and has the potential to take all the marbles in 2009. Previous preseason No. 1 choices have been LSU (1998, 2001), USC (1999), Miami (2000), Stanford (2002), Texas (2003, '06), Cal State Fullerton (2005), Rice (2004, '07), and Arizona State (2008). Fresno State is defending NCAA champion after Oregon State won the baseball crown in Omaha in both 2006 and '07.

This week's poll has representation by 13 different conferences among the 302 baseball-playing schools in the 2009 NCAA Division I ranks. The polls of 2008 had teams from 17 different DI conferences rated at least one week. The preseason poll lists schools, and the remaining polls with consist of Top 30 choices. For more information or to join the NCBWA, please go to www.ncbwa.com.

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.