WILLMAR, Minn. — A basketball coach in Willmar received the surprise of a lifetime before a game Thursday night.

Sally Wilson, an assistant girls basketball coach, received a surprise marriage proposal from Willmar High School’s Cardinal mascot.

Bruce Just, Sally’s boyfriend, took the floor of the gym at the high school dressed as the mascot prior to the game against Rocori High School.

Then at half court, Bruce removed his mascot head, got down on one knee with a ring in his hand and asked Sally to marry him.

A tearful Sally accepted Bruce’s engagement ring to the joy of players and fans attending the game.

Sally will be leaving her teaching and coaching job at Willmar High School at the end of the year to move to Omaha where Bruce lives.