My initial thoughts were posted here:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1476178&postcount=11
I also wanted to mention that I'm excited that such a strong community of teams has emerged in California. We have a lot of good teams out west, and everyone is working hard to make themselves and each other better. 1678 and 1671 definitely are a huge part of that. Because of this strong community, I feel that the quality of competition has increased substantially in the last few years in California. I love working with, competing with, and talking to both these teams at the events we all go to, and I really like seeing two of California's hardest working and nicest teams winning the World Championship.
I haven't had any interactions personally with 5012, but I hope they can build off their successes early in their team's history and become one of California's great teams. It's also great seeing teams like 118 coming out to California. Having visitors makes the California competitions that much more special. I'm glad you guys visited this year.
Steve, it means a lot when you say this is a shared victory. I'm glad that 1678 has benefited from help and inspiration from 971 and so many other great teams. I know that a lot of people from 971, myself included, also look to 1678 for inspiration. 1678 builds great robots but even more importantly, they are a great team. You guys work so well together and put in so much effort. I hope that your team continues to be inspired and continues to inspire others to higher levels.
I wish all these teams good luck in the future, and congratulations on a well deserved win!