Darlington Cup goes to Philos at 2019 debate

Euphemians and Philomatheans considered the question “Illegal Immigration: Should the United States Build the Border Wall?” during the 2019 Darlington Cup Debate in Lesesne Auditorium Feb. 28. At the end of the event, the Philomathean Literary Society was declared this year’s winner, taking possession of the Darlington Cup from the Euphemian Literary Society, last year’s winner.

Euphemian panelists were senior Dylan Kelley of Honea Path; senior Zach Morgan of Greenville; and freshman Josh Mundy of Aiken. Philomathean panelists were senior Stokes Brownlee of Saint George; senior Ross Edgar of Doncaster, England; and senior Zach Farmer of Waxhaw, N.C.

Both literary societies received notice of the planned topic last week. “They were informed Monday of their assignment to speak in favor of or against,” said College Provost Dr. Tom Hellams, who served as moderator of the debate. The Philos were chosen to argue in favor of building the wall and the Euphies were selected to speak against it.

Assistant Professor of Art Kerry Boyd, Assistant Professor of History Dr. John Harris, and Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics Dr. Tiffany Hayden served as judges.

An intersociety debate competition for the Darlington Cup was introduced at Erskine in 1912, when alumnus and benefactor J.J. Darlington presented the trophy cup, crafted by Tiffany & Co., to the school.