In a conversation with NJRunners today, West Windsor Plainsboro North coach Brian Gould revealed that Jim and Joe Rosa have decided not to run any individual events at the upcoming New Balance Indoor Nationals. They were both entered in the 2 mile on Sunday, March 13. Gould said "Joe and Jim are each defending national champions and they just aren't ready to perform at that level right now. My job is to make sure they're fit, but more importantly to take care of them. They'll be back to where they have been, just not by next Sunday. They aren't going to take those two spots from other guys. Racing the deuce at nationals that weekend just doesn't make sense for either of my guys."
Both the brothers ran the 2 mile at the Easterns on Tuesday, March 1 with Jim finishing second in 9:08.32 and Joe 4th in 9:21.44. Speaking after the race both expressed satisfaction that they were over their recent issues (injury and surgery for congenital condition respectively) but also were impatient about the amount of time it was taking to return to full fitness. Gould laughed at that saying "Jim is fine, hes just not sharp. NBIN isn't the place to get sharp. He'll be back before he knows it. Joe missed 6 months; I can't believe hes doing as well as he is. We're doing some different things with their training. Everything is for June. They're going to do great, and if all goes well I think they may even surprise themselves."
Brian also stated that while the Stanford-bound twins would not compete in individual events at NBIN under any circumstances, a relay or two was not out of the question. WWPN is currently entered in the distance medley on Friday night, March 11. "We may go DMR or 4 x mile (Saturday) or both. We'll have to decide in the next day or so. We still need a Penn Relays qualifier for the DMR."