Legacy: Forged by Service, Defined by Competition

Ground Swipers Rod and Gun Club, South Toms River, NJ (Circa 1956-1957)

Courtesy of Joseph Placente

This rare glimpse into our founding era shows the men who built the Ground Swipers name. Taken shortly after several members returned from service, the photo features many of the original pillars of our community.

Front Row (L-R): Fred Ottenbacher, Charles Lecuyer Sr., Billy Lecuyer, Mickey Lecuyer (seated), George “The Greek” Toloes, Billy South.

Back Row (L-R): Juney Taylor, Bill Werkings, Darwin Muir Jr., “Charlie Boy” Lecuyer, George Downs, Darwin Muir Sr., Clarence “Doc” Jones, Richard Lecuyer, John Worth, Stanley Moore, and Ronnie Bendy.

The Veteran Foundation (1950s)

Ground Swipers wasn't started as a hobby; it was born from brotherhood. In the mid-1950s, the "Greatest Generation" returned to Ocean County from deployments overseas. These veterans of the United States Armed Forces sought a place to reconnect with the men they served with, founding the club as a social sanctuary where their shared love for hunting, fishing, and marksmanship could thrive.

Our story began at Billy South’s "Stop In" on Flint Road before moving to our first official social club on Magnolia Avenue in South Toms River. Back then, the club was a rugged hub for outdoorsmen—a place where the day’s hunt was recounted over a beer and the standards of discipline and respect learned in the service were applied to the sport of shooting.

The Evolution: From Bunkhouse to Championship Line

As the club grew, so did the need for a true wilderness retreat. Ground Swipers acquired the Lacey Road property to serve as a hunting lodge. The original clubhouse was a mission-focused facility, featuring a large kitchen and a sleeping area lined with bunks for members on overnight excursions into the pines.

The transition to a premier shooting site began through competition. Early, hard-fought matches against the Forked River Tuna Club sparked a competitive fire that redefined the club’s trajectory. As shooting sports became a cornerstone of the region, Ground Swipers reversed course—selling the social club in South Toms River to consolidate all efforts on the Lacey property. The old hunting bunks were eventually cleared to make way for the modern, high-caliber facility we operate today.

A Culture of Excellence

While we have evolved into a premier destination for the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), our DNA remains unchanged. Ground Swipers is still governed and frequented by those who have proudly served this country. From our membership ranks to our Board of Directors, the veteran presence ensures that the values of integrity, focus, and mentorship remain our North Star.

  • Elite Competition: We host weekly "Big 50" events, maintaining a professional platform for shooters to earn yardage and compete at the highest level.

  • The Ground Swipers Standard: We are the home club of multiple NJ State Hall of Fame inductees and All-American team members—marksmen who honed their craft under our canopy.

  • A Multi-Generational Home: We remain a family-friendly facility precisely because we value legacy. We encourage members to bring their children for their first exposure to the sport, ensuring that the discipline of the outdoorsman is passed down to the next generation.