The S-Team Booster Club is taking its fundraising efforts to the greens and fairways of Valley Grande Golf Course today.

The A.A. Sewell/S-Team Golf Classic kicks off with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. It includes 20 teams and will follow a three-man scramble format.

The tournament serves a dual purpose. It recognizes former Selma High School basketball coach A.A. Sewell for his leadership and raises funds for Selma’s athletic department.

“It’s going to be a success,” said Selma High athletic director Patrick Evans. “It looks like it’s raised over $1000.”

Each team paid a $210 fee to join the tournament. The fees covers golf shirts, green fees, a meal and prizes.

The top three teams receive awards of recognition for their finish, as will the winners of the long-drive and closest to the pin challenges. The S-Team is also raffling off a weekend stay at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery.

According to Evans, other athletic departments in the state have used golf tournaments to gain support and exposure. This tournament carries an extra purpose.

“We came out to give recognition back to Coach Sewell,” said Evans. “This is something I know he has wanted to do.”

This is the S-Team’s first golf tournament. It is primed to become an annual event, but its purpose will likely change in the future.

“We hope to eventually make the tournament a tournament of appreciation,” said Evans. “We want to make it a day of appreciation for Coach Sewell and our S-Team Booster Club for all of the support that they give us.”