Jan. 24, 2006

WACO, Texas -- Defending Big 12 Conference champion Baylor was picked to finish fourth in the 2006 Big 12 Coaches' Preseason Poll, released Tuesday by the league office. The Bears garnered 54 total points, 12 fewer than third-place Missouri and 10 more than fifth-place Oklahoma.

It marked the second consecutive year Baylor was tabbed to finish fourth in the preseason poll. Last season, the Bears received 55 total points in the preseason rankings but finished the season 19-8 in conference play to share the Big 12 regular season title with Nebraska.

Texas, which received eight of nine eligible first-place votes and 79 of 81 eligible total points, was the coaches' preseason favorite. Nebraska (70 total points) and Missouri each received one first-place nod. Oklahoma State (41 points) was picked to finish sixth, followed by Texas A&M (36). Kansas and Texas Tech tied for eighth with 24 points each, while Kansas State was last with 11. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.

In the nine-year history of the Big 12 Conference, five schools have claimed regular-season titles: Baylor (2000, 2005); Nebraska (2001, 2003, 2005); Texas (2002, 2004); Texas A&M (1998, 1999) and Texas Tech (1997).

Baylor begins its 2006 season Feb. 11-13, hosting Stephen F. Austin for a three-game series at Baylor Ballpark. Fans will get a preview of this year's squad Feb. 5 as the 2006 Bears face a team of former Bears currently active in professional baseball. The Baylor-Pro Alumni game begins at 2 p.m. at Baylor Ballpark; admission is free.

2006 BIG 12 CONFERENCE COACHES' PRESEASON POLL

School (No. 1 votes) Points

1. Texas (8) 79

2. Nebraska (1) 70

3. Missouri (1) 66

4. BAYLOR 54

5. Oklahoma 44

6. Oklahoma State 41

7. Texas A&M 36

8. Kansas 24

Texas Tech 24

10. Kansas State 11