If you haven’t been to either of the cookouts hosted by the Selma High School football team, go this Thursday.

It’s not just for people affiliated with the team or for those who know somebody there. It’s for everyone. There’s no excuse not to go.

The hamburgers are good. I had three of them. I heard the hot dogs were good, too. And they have plenty of cold drinks.

Selma coach Leroy Miles said he wanted to help bring the community together and show the team it has support.

Well, help him out.

You can’t show the team your support unless you show up. Yes, that means showing up at games, but it also means participating in events the team sponsors.

Think about it. You’ll go to a game where you have to pay for a ticket, parking and food then sit in an uncomfortable seat for several hours. Plus it’s giving up a Friday night.

The cookout is on a Thursday, so your weekend will stay in tact, the food is free, there’s no cost to get in, no charge to park and you can bring your own chair. You don’t have to be there long if you don’t want to be, and you might just meet somebody or see someone you already know.

Talk to coach Miles for a few minutes. You’ll be impressed.

Talk to some players. Look at their weight room. What do you have to lose?

If you’re worried about not being welcome for whatever reason, stop by Winn-Dixie or Wal-Mart and buy whatever cookies are buy-one-get-one-free that day or bring a family-sized bag of Doritos. You’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Or you could make a donation to help the program. Even if it’s the change from your trip to the grocery store, they won’t turn down your generosity.

I know there are people here who love to cook. Make a cake or a pie, and take it out there. Nobody turns down free homemade desserts. If you need a recipe, just look at the Life & Styles section in today’s issue.

Sports teams need the support of the communities they represent. So, go support them.

The cookout is easy to find. It’s behind Selma High School. Drive down Franklin Street behind the school about 5:30 p.m., and look over toward the softball fields. You’ll see the cars and the smoke from the grill.

And while we’re at it, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea if other schools like Southside, Dallas County, Morgan Academy and Meadowview started similar cookouts. Or better yet, every school could go join the cookout Selma High is hosting. What a gesture that would be.

Miles said Mayor George Evans and several City Council representatives have come, and I saw Judge Bob Armstrong there Thursday. Those are busy people. If they can find the time to go out there, so can you.

Ever since I came here in February, I’ve heard people talk endlessly about bringing this community together. Well, here’s the opportunity to stop talking about it and actually do it. Don’t let the opportunity go to waste.

Brian Tynes is the sports editor of the Selma Times-Journal. He can be contacted at 410-1716 or by e-mail at brian.tynes@selmatimesjournal.com.