STILLWATER, OK --- The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Order of Merit Award recognizes a person for extraordinary contributions to the sport of wrestling above and beyond athletic achievement or coaching success.  The Distinguished Members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame select the recipient of this award. They will honor Jim Keen as the 2004 Order of Merit Award recipient.    Keen has been actively involved in wrestling for nearly 50 years.  Although many of his contributions are of the "behind the scenes" variety, they often impact the sport in major ways.  While still in high school Jim and his father (Coach Cliff Keen) worked on a new form of protective gear.  As a result of this work a protective headgear was pioneered.      Jim wrestled for his father at the University of Michigan.  Upon graduation he joined the elder Keen in developing and expanding Cliff Keen Athletic, the company that resulted from the headgear invention.  Jim has refined and advanced Cliff Keen Athletic into the largest manufacturer of wrestling equipment and uniforms.  Currently CEO of the company, Jim is still actively involved and continues to raise awareness of the safety issues of the sport, and the importance of protective gear.    Cliff Keen Athletic strives to make a difference in wrestling by sponsoring a myriad of tournaments, including the Wrestling USA/Cliff Keen Dream Team Classic.  This annual event raises money for the Friends of Wrestling to help disadvantaged wrestlers.  Keen sponsored and helped develop the Cliff Keen National Duals, a tournament that has become one of the collegiate premier events.  Keen sponsored many other tournaments which have greatly helped the progress of our national and international teams, and have promoted the sport of wrestling throughout the United States.      Jim Keen has served on many national committees and has diligently worked with congressional leaders trying to find a solution to the problem of Title IX and its detrimental effects on collegiate sports.  Keen has been actively involved with USA Wrestling, the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.  He currently serves as Vice-Chairman for the Board of Governors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.    Whether he is working with congressmen in Washington, or kids in Ann Arbor, Jim's philosophy has always been to "do the best you can and try to do what's right."  He feels strongly about giving back to the sport that has meant so much to him.    Jim Keen will receive the National Wrestling Hall of Fame 2004 Order of Merit Award during honors weekend on June 5, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.