Westfield native Barb (Northup) Norton gave Westfield State instant recognition during the early stages of its women's intercollegiate athletics programs with her outstanding performances in gymnastics. 

Norton competed in the Eastern Regional Gymnastics Championships in each of her four years at Westfield State: at Temple University in 1973, the University of Massachusetts in 1974, Princeton University in 1975 and Cornell University in 1976. Westfield State posted a 25-15 dual meet record during his four years. 

Norton competed in each of the four gymnastics events, but specialized in the balance beam and floor exercise. During her senior year of high school she placed second in the all-around competition in the Western Mass. championships, including a first place on the balance beam and a second in floor exercise. During her senior year of high school, too, she was selected Outstanding Gymnast by the YMCAs of the Northeast Region. 

Norton returned to her college alma mater in 1980 as the head coach of the gymnastics team for a year. She received a degree from Springfield Technical Community College in the physical therapy assistant program in 1984. 

Norton works as a physical therapy assistant in the home health field; she is an amateur photographer specializing in pets and wildlife. She and her husband, David, have two children, Jeremy and Carolyn.