In an arena that has been filled with basketball players since Wednesday, it was a wrestler who received perhaps the biggest applause.

A professional wrestler, that is.

Hulk Hogan, who started his career in the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s and has since become a national celebrity, was greeted with thunderous applause as he came out onto the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center floor between Lakota Nation Invitational games Friday evening.

After properly greeting his "Hulkamaniacs" in the audience, Hogan gave some encouraging words to the students and student athletes in the audience.

"You guys are not the leaders of the future. You guys are the leaders now," Hogan said, explaining how students and student athletes serve as role models by doing well in school and participating in activities.

Hogan was flown into Rapid City on Friday by Max Osceola and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

He came to donate to a number of nonprofit organizations that will disburse the money to needy people on several reservations on behalf of Dreamseekers.

Hogan co-founded the new organization with Ernie Stevens Jr., chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association.

The foundation's goal is to create healthier communities by assisting young Native Americans in areas related to health, education and leadership development.

Checks were presented to Oglala Lakota College, SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club, Sicangu Child and Family Services of the Rosebud Tribe and Cheyenne River Youth Project, among other organizations.

"We're out here at the 11th hour trying to help the tribes in some little situations where people are the most needy, whether it's housing or Christmas presents or toys or food or whatever," Hogan said in an interview.

The appearance had been enjoyable and energizing, he said.

"I'm all lit up from meeting the kids. It puts things in the proper perspective," he said. "It didn't have to be this way. The kids didn't have to be so cool and the parents so loyal after 30 years of watching me. But they're still hangin' in there and believing, so it gives me a good push to keep moving."

Hogan signed about 600 autographs for a number of excited fans in a session before the check presentation.

One of the younger autograph seekers challenged his toughness, saying, "My uncle said he could beat you up."

"You get your uncle in here!" Hogan growled, flexing his muscles.

Christopher Two Lance, 24, was among the autograph seekers. A lifelong fan, Two Lance said there isn't much he doesn't like about Hogan.

"He's just the man," Two Lance said. "His TV show and everything is just awesome."

Stevens said having Hogan come to the civic center was a big boost to everyone involved in the efforts to help reservation families, especially around the holidays.

"He extended his arm to us and wanted to help, and so we're pretty excited about that," he said.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com