[hionwind]

Thank You to Doug Green for summing up the Sacramento Regional so thoroughly. Despite some of the negative publicity that "Recycle Rush" has been getting, I thought that this year's event was the best ever. I was so impressed by the quality of the robots and gracious professionalism of the teams.

1678 was thrilled to be able to partner with such a class act as team 118 and also to have 5458 join our alliance.

The competition was definitely a notch up from CVR with 2085 and 701 making consistent stacks, 971 coming in with a super-fast can grabber, and 1671 putting up three stacks in almost every match they played.

I was so excited that 5458 won Rookie All Star. They have worked so hard with minimal financial support and know that they are super excited to qualify for Champs.

Thank you, Doug, for you kind words re WFFA. I was too emotional to say anything at the event but I'd like to say it here. Even though we know there is no "I" in team, there is an "I" in FIRST and it stands for "Inspiration".

I am incredibly grateful to so many people who have inspired me throughout my 11 years with FIRST. You, Doug, along with your amazing team, are the main reason that 1678 is where they are today. From that day you brought your robot to our school and showed us the excitement of FRC, your team has been an inspiration to us all.

Team 971, along with the entire Schuh family, have also been a great source of inspiration for me and our team. You consistently build some of the most beautiful machines but also work tirelessly at events to help other teams, often ours.

Many other teams have inspired me with their passion and grace. There's too many to list but some Sac regulars that have consistently impressed me with their gracious professionalism include teams 100, 692, 766, 1671, 2073, 2085, 3250 and 3256.

Most of all, I am inspired by the amazing students, mentors and parents of team 1678. You have worked so hard over the years to get our team to where it is. I am incredibly lucky to have you.

But I can't finish this post without acknowledging two very special special people who have helped me and the team reach the place where we are today. Mike Corsetto needs no introduction. There is no-one more passionate about FIRST than Mike and his leadership and guidance of our young students is exemplary. Thank you Mike for all the cheesecake you bring to our team!

And finally my wife, Kris, who has stuck by me all these years and never once complained about all the hours that I am away. She not only holds down the fort at home but also finds time to mentor our chairman's team. Thank you, Kris, for putting up with me and my passion for the craziness of FIRST.