It was the first home game of the year. Football fans sat in the stands, suffering through the 80 degree weather in order to watch Mercer face off against Wofford.
During halftime, the band was getting ready to play “Georgia on My Mind” when the announcer interrupted to list the accomplishments of Mercer Drum Major Maia Nichols.
“I honestly didn't know what was going on or why they were doing the announcement,” Nichols said, “As soon as they said 'your boyfriend Zach has a question for you,' I saw Zach walk onto the field. It was so exciting that I was completely oblivious to what was going on around me. I didn't realize that the band had started playing until halfway through the song.”
Zach Mikos came out onto the field and got down on one knee.
“I knew that a proposal was coming at some point, but Zach had told me it was going to happen closer to October,” Nichols said, “There were definitely a few things that seemed unusual about this game, but I had chalked this up to being our first Saturday game.”
One of the drum majors pretended to be sick and while Nichols helped her, their director let the band know what was going on
“The whole experience was so amazing, and so many people put so much work in,” Nichols said, “There was so much love and support from both our families and all our friends… It was a moment that both of us will remember forever.”
Nichols is especially grateful to Doug Cowden, the Marching Band Director, and Daniel Tate, the Assistant Athletics Director, for helping make the proposal happen.
“I was thrilled that everything went so perfectly,” Mikos said, “It was truly a moment I'll remember for the rest of my life.”
Mercer student proposes to Drum Major girlfriend at halftime
Zach Mikos proposed to Maia Nichols at the Mercer halftime show during their game against Wofford on Saturday, Sept. 9.
