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South Hamilton University graduate who died in plane crash honored at football game

On a night when several numbers stepped onto the South Hamilton High football field, there was one number that was on many people's minds: six. That's the same number of times the South Hamilton High principal rang the bell just before the game against Roland-Story to honor Owen Renaud, a class of 2024 graduate and captain of last year's football team who was killed in a plane crash last week. Renaud was one of four people who died. “He had the biggest grin that could light up a room,” said Makena Galetich, Renaud's girlfriend of three years. “He was so religious. He knew there was a God. He believed so strongly, and he knew he would be up there one day.” Knowing that means the world to Renaud's loved ones. But it doesn't make them miss him any less. “He was always there for me. He was always there for everybody,” said Kaden Schwandt, one of Renaud’s best friends. Schwandt and Renaud have been friends since preschool. They grew up together and played many sports together, including football at South Hamilton High. “Those were probably the best years of my life, being out there with Owen,” Schwandt said. Friday night, hours after Renaud’s funeral, meant a lot to Schwandt, Galetich and other family and friends of Renaud. Many fans — even from the opposing team — dressed in white in honor of Renaud. Galetich, Schwandt and other friends of Renaud lined up as honorary captains at the start of the game. “It helps a lot when we have a class as close as we are,” Schwandt said. “Everyone is there for each other during this time.” The love for Renaud didn’t stop when the game started. It continued in the form of people wearing his number on the back of jerseys made specifically to commemorate the 19-year-old. The shirts were made by Melissa of Design to Print and were the idea of ​​Dylan Oskvig's family. “Owen was more than just my friend and teammate. He was my brother,” Oskvig said. Oskvig appreciated the support of people who came to his family's house to get a shirt. The family had a table not far from the field entrance Friday night. “If you just wanted to talk about what was going on in your life or you had something urgent, Owen was always there cheering you on,” Oskvig said. The shirts were free and people left donations that went to the Flying High Scholarship Fund. Galetich says Renaud's family started collecting funds that will be used to help kids who need it. Owen Renaud has sadly passed away, but what will remain forever is people's love for him. “One of the last things he wrote in his notebook, the very last point: 'I am a child of God. Every day is a day closer to being in heaven,'” Galetich said. Those wishing to donate to the scholarship fund can do so via Venmo: @Michelle-Oskvig.

JEWELL, Iowa —

One evening, as numerous players entered the football field at South Hamilton High School, there was one number that was on many people's minds: six.

That's the same number of times the South Hamilton High School principal rang the bell just before the game against Roland-Story to remember Owen Renaud, a class of 2024 graduate and captain of last year's football team who died in a plane crash last week. Renaud was one of four people who died.

“He had the biggest grin that could light up a room,” said Makena Galetich, Renaud's girlfriend of three years. “He was so religious. He knew there was a God. He believed so strongly and he knew he would be up there one day.”

This knowledge means a lot to Renaud’s family.

But that doesn't mean they miss him any less.

“He was always there for me. He was always there for everyone,” said Kaden Schwandt, one of Renaud’s best friends.

Schwandt and Renaud have been friends since preschool. They grew up together and played many sports together, including football at South Hamilton High.

“Those were probably the best years of my life that I spent out there with Owen,” Schwandt said.

Friday evening, a few hours after Renaud's funeral, meant a lot to Schwandt, Galetich and other relatives and friends of Renaud.

Many fans – even those of the opposing team – dressed in white in honor of Renaud.

Galetich, Schwandt and other friends of Renaud served as honorary captains at the start of the game.

“It helps a lot when we have such a close class,” says Schwandt. “Everyone is there for each other during this time.”

The love for Renaud didn't end when the game started. It continued in the form of people wearing his number on the back of jerseys specially made to commemorate the 19-year-old.

The shirts were made by Melissa from Design to Print and were an idea from Dylan Oskvig's family.

“Owen was more than just my friend and teammate. He was my brother,” Oskvig said.

Oskvig was happy to see the support of people who stopped by to pick up a jersey from his family, who had set up a table near the entrance to the pitch on Friday evening.

“If you just wanted to talk about what was going on in your life or if you had something urgent to do, Owen was always there cheering you on,” Oskvig said.

The T-shirts were free and people left donations that went to the Flying High Scholarship Fund. Galetich says Renaud's family raised funds to support children in need.

Owen Renaud has sadly left us, but people's love for him will remain forever.

“One of the last things he wrote in his notebook, the very last point: 'I am a child of God. Every day brings me one day closer to heaven,'” Galetich said.

Anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship fund can do so via Venmo: @Michelle-Oskvig.

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