Kee and Wilmsen Excel as Student Athletes at Illinois Wesleyan University

The strong and enduring friendship between Myles Kee and Harrison Wilmsen, both Priory Class of 2021, serves as a testament to their solid foundation formed at Priory. As they complete their senior year at Illinois Wesleyan University, their bond showcases the lasting impact of a Priory education and the life-long community that continues to support them.

“Attending Priory was one of the best decisions I ever made, especially in developing the mind, body, and spirit,” says Wilmsen. “The education at Priory, combining academic rigor, athletics, and a recognition of the soul’s superiority over the body, is uniquely rewarding and special.”

“Priory played a significant role in shaping me as a student-athlete,” Kee says. “One of the most emphasized lessons in college athletics is the importance of effective time management, a skill Priory instilled in me early on.”

He adds, “The foundation I built there made my transition to college athletics smooth and manageable. In fact, the skills and discipline I developed at Priory often gave me an advantage over some of my peers and teammates, allowing me to excel both on the field and in the classroom.”

Kee was an All-State Second Team selection as a wideout for the Ravens. He earned All-Conference First Team and All-Metro Second Team honors.

“Myles always pushed himself to the limit to be the best,” says Wilmsen. “He is one of the most ferocious competitors I have ever met; no challenge is too small or too large in his eyes. During our four years together, players gravitated to him not only because of his ability on the field, but because he is one of the nicest, most caring, and down-to-earth individuals. He will forever be the greatest teammate I have ever played with.”

Wilmsen, meanwhile, led the Ravens at the quarterback position earning All-State First Team. He was also a three-time All-Metro League and two-time All-District First Team selection.

“Harrison was a great leader and football player,” says Kee. “He had all the attributes that a great quarterback needs, but most importantly he knew how to command the huddle in a way where you felt like you could trust him to do his job and make the right play.”

Wilmsen graduated Priory as the all-time leader in yards (5,693), touchdowns (67), and completions (433).

Between 2018 and 2020, Kee caught a programrecord 45 touchdowns from Wilmsen. He also sits atop the record book in receptions (170) and receiving yards (2,600).

“Myles and I have always had a strong connection,” reflects Wilmsen. “It didn’t matter if it was on the field or not, we always seemed to understand each other. The four years I spent playing varsity football at Priory with him are to this day some of the best years of my life.”

Wilmsen found plenty of success on the basketball court as well. He was a four-time All-Metro League selection, named Metro League Player of the Year, and graduated ranked second all-time at Priory in total points and rebounds.

The pair eventually decided to attend Illinois Wesleyan University for some of the same reasons that students choose Priory.

“Academics played a significant role in my choice,” Kee says. “Illinois Wesleyan consistently ranks among the top schools in Illinois and the nation for job placement, emphasizing student success both during college and beyond. The university’s commitment to preparing its students for future achievements strongly aligned with my goals.”

Both saw immediate action at Illinois Wesleyan, with the Titans basketball team making it to the Elite Eight at the NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament.

“Freshman year was exciting; we were a deep and highly experienced team,” says Wilmsen. “I came in as every freshman does: confused and inexperienced, but willing to learn. Being able to witness an Elite Eight run taught me so many valuable lessons. I came away from the season knowing my game had to improve in several facets.”

In 2022, the pair both saw more time on the field and court, but they also battled through injuries. Kee set career-high marks in receptions (42), yards (553), and touchdowns (four). However, he suffered a season-ending injury limiting his appearances to just six games.

“I tore my ACL during the sixth game of my sophomore year. It was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced,” says Kee. “The injury was devastating, not only because of the physical toll, but also the emotional impact. I had to put in countless hours of hard work and preparation leading up to the season, and not being able to finish what I started was heartbreaking.”

Wilmsen, meanwhile, also had a career-season high appearing in 26 games, averaging 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Prior to the season though, he suffered an injury.

“During the preseason, I fractured my foot, and with that came the usual emotions of doubt and fear,” Wilmsen says. “It was my first year in the starting rotation, which brought with it many expectations. The peaks and valleys of sophomore year taught me so much – most importantly, reinforcing the power of mind and spirit –something that was cultivated during my years at Priory.”

In 2023, both Kee and Wilmsen stayed healthy and found their rhythm. Kee appeared in all 10 games, totaling a career-high 55 catches for 716 yards and five touchdowns. He was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player and earned the Best Skill award for the Titans. He also took home his first All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) First Team award.

“The ’23 season was truly special for me,” Kee says. “Coming back from offseason surgery and a grueling rehab to play at the high level I knew I was capable of was incredibly rewarding. Earning All-CCIW honors after such a challenging journey meant the world to me and served as a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.”

Wilmsen took a big leap on the court, appearing in a career-high 28 games and starting 23 of them. He averaged a career-high 11.2 points per game and shot 51.2 percent from the floor.

The fall 2024 season was one to remember for Kee. He once again appeared in all 10 games, totaling a career-high 64 catches for 708 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns to earn All-CCIW First Team honors again, all the while battling through another injury.

“Not only did I have my best statistical performance and earned All-Conference again, but it also marked my second season coming off knee surgery,” Kee says. “During the offseason, I was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a bone infection that required emergency surgery. Although the procedure was far less invasive than ACL repair, my surgeon was uncertain whether I would be able to play this year.”

He ended his Illinois Wesleyan career with 163 catches for 2,005 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Wilmsen and the Titans were having a dominant 2024-25 campaign when we went to print.

The basketball Titans went 24-5 overall as of March 10 and ranked No. 16 nationally in the NCAA Division III Top 25 Poll.

Wilmsen started all 29 games for the Titans through the first round of playoffs, averaging 9.9 points and 5.2 rebounds on a career-best 56.9 field goal percentage.

Kee is majoring in business administration, while Wilmsen, who has a passion for investments and trading, is majoring in finance.

Both are set to graduate later this year.

“Myles is truly my brother. I think that speaks to the relationships you forge at Priory in general,” says Wilmsen. “Attending Priory is more than a ticket to a first-class education, it’s a lifelong brotherhood, a bond that can’t be broken and extends beyond time.”